It’s Better With The Lights Off- Darkroom Essentials?
Any serious photographer knows that a darkroom is quintessential
to producing unique and quality work. However, without the right
equipment, a darkroom is useless. But what exactly are the
“essentials� when creating the perfect darkroom? While the
actual layout can be as unique as the photographs being produced,
there are a few important universal requirements that every
darkroom must meet.
The first requirement of the perfect darkroom may seem simple,
but it is the most important part- darkness. If the space is not
completely pitch black, the quality of the photos could be
compromised- which is the last thing that a photographer needs or
wants to happen. While it may not be feasible to have your darkroom
located in a place with no windows or sources of light, this
atmosphere can be created. Using materials such as cardboard or
black-out curtains that are secured into place can cut out sources
of light on a temporary (or permanent) basis. Using materials like
these can also be useful if the darkroom is in a temporary location
like a bathroom.
A second photography darkroom essential is proper ventilation.
This is one aspect that often gets overlooked- but it is important
to keep the darkroom safe. The fumes in a darkroom can be dangerous
for a photographer- some type of ventilation (such as an extractor
fan) can keep a continuous supply of fresh air flowing into the
room and pull dangerous chemicals out.
A darkroom must also have the right layout. The room should be
separated into two sections- wet and dry. The wet area of the room
should consist of processing trays (the developer, stop bath, fixer
and water) and the dry area should consist of areas for storage, a
cutter and a timer among other items which should be up to the
discretion of the photographer.
Every darkroom is unique- big or small, in a basement or a
bathroom- there is no set schematic for what a darkroom must be.
Only a photographer can truly see what is needed in an individual
darkroom, but following this guide and having a few staple items
can be the perfect beginning for any photography darkroom!