Darkroom

A Darkroom is the room photographers use to develop their pictures. As the name suggests, the room is kept completely dark and, at most, only contains a safelight. The darkroom must be kept dark because it is here that a photographer will remove the film from the camera. Anylight exposure to this film will ruin the recently taken photos.

After the film is removed in the darkroom, the photographer will treat it with a series of chemicals before printing it onto paper.

If a photographer is taking pictures on a digital camera however, his “darkroom” will likely involve computer software, such as Photoshop, where he can enhance, develop and print his photos. Such digital darkrooms are becoming the standard due to the fact that traditional darkrooms require more space, as well as expensive and potentially hazardous chemicals.

Whether you are an amateur or expert photographer, you may want toset up a darkroom in your home. If so, choose a small room with minimal light and adequate ventilation. Experts recommend that you refrain from setting up a make shift darkroom in your bathroom or kitchen, as you can never be too careful with chemicals around your hygiene products and food. Another important aspect of a good darkroom includes having separate wet and dry areas. While the wet area contains the chemicals and running water, the dry area is a place to store your photo paper and other photography equipment.