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How to Make a Darkroom for a Photographer

In this age of digital photography, there is little demand for the old-fashioned methods of developing film. Many artistic photographers still prefer to use black-and-white film and develop it using chemical methods. Creating a darkroom is not difficult, but everything must be done correctly to ensure the negatives can be developed efficiently and to a high standard.

Things You'll Need

Wooden boards
Black material
Plastic sheeting
Ventilation system
Safelight
Countertops
Drawers
Shelving
Dark room equipment

Instructions

- 1
  Find a suitable room to make into a darkroom. It will need to be large enough for all the developing equipment, have room for you to move around in, have running water and be easily ventilated.
- 2
  Clean the room. Make sure there are no pockets of dust or drafts, which can damage negatives and developing photographs.
- 3
  Cover all windows and skylights with wooden boards and thick, black material or plastic sheeting, so no light can get in.
- 4
  Edge all doors and other opening in black material, so no light can get in through the cracks.
- 5
  Sit in the room for five minutes so your eyes become accustomed to the darkness. This will make any other light sources more obvious. These can then be covered with wooden boards or material.
- 6
  Install ventilation. The chemicals used to develop photographs are very strong and can lead to dizziness and nausea. The ventilation should be installed over the area where the chemicals will be used.
- 7
  Fit counters for the work to be done on. Make sure there are distinct areas for wet and dry work, so the two areas do not become contaminated. Think about other fixtures that may be required, such as drawers and shelves.
- 8
  Set up a safelight and make sure the switch is in a convenient location. Set it up so the light faces upward, so the developing will be done by reflected rather than direct light.
- 9
  Make sure all other equipment required is in the darkroom. This includes items such as timers, measuring jugs and thermometers.
- 10
  Set up a system so people know the darkroom is in use. This can be a door hanger on the handle or a light above the door. This will ensure nobody lets light into the room while you are working.

Photography