AAPGuild - How To Have A Darkroom and Keep Everyone Happy

How To Have A Darkroom (and still get your deposit back!)

So you've been taking pictures for a while now, and you're good. Better than you thought you could be. But now, you're trying to cut costs in order to buy more film, and eating is still high on the list of your priorities, followed by paying the rent. What do you do without? Sure, you could stop using color film for a while, and focus on black and white, which is a good move for any beginning photographer. But you're sure there's something more you can do. What could it be?

Or, you've been taking pictures for a while now, but you want to have more control over the quality of your creations, and the guy at the fotomat just doesn't get it when you try explain to him the "Zone" system of developing.

Well, sooner or later you'll dive into it, so let me give you a push. Set yourself up with a darkroom. It can be done for as little as 400.00, and in the long run you'll be glad you did. You'll learn the basics of developing film and printing, and the only time you'll see the guy at the foto box is when you're on your way to the drive-thru for a hamburger. But keep in mind, the following: unless you live by yourself, in a house where you only have your conscience to listen to, you'll have to work within the confines of your surroundings.

What does this mean you say? Well, look around you. If you're living at home, you've got Mom, Dad, siblings and in most cases, two bathrooms, one of which is always covered in slips and socks and bottles and stuff. If you're sharing an apartment, you may only have one bathroom and your roommate feels you should pay extra for the privilege of using the bathroom as a darkroom. Even if you don't have a roommate, you may be faced with the issue of chemical disposal by a landlord who doesn't understand or care about your vision of becoming the next Gordon Parks or Ansel Adams. In each of these cases, it is always best to have a meeting with those who will be affected by your desire to print your own pictures.

Before you discuss your need to have a darkroom, make sure you understand your responsibility in having one. Whatever is in the bathroom before you set up for printing, should be in the bathroom after you've finished printing. Even if it's the dirty towel that your brother dropped on the floor when he should have picked it up. Of course, if the towel gets in the way of you doing your work, you can place it in the hamper, and the next day, politely say, "I found your towel on the floor last night. I tossed it in the hamper. I hope that was okay." If you say this sincerely enough, and in front of your mother, you'll win her respect(and maybe an increase on allowance), and you're brother will remember to pick up his stuff in the bathroom(though he may want to seek revenge for ratting him out, but these are the risks you take).

Be sure to clean up thoroughly after each session. Even if it means mopping the bathroom floor after you work. There's nothing more disturbing to a non-photographer than to smell Dektol while brushing their teeth in the morning. Take the time to wipe down sink and remove All items that are darkroom-related. Believe me, if little brother is still mad about you're comment on his towels being on the floor, this would be a great way to get back at you. Keep this comment in the back of your mind, and know that I speak from experience:

Mom, it stinks in the bathroom! I can't brush my teeth in there!!

The point is, that the bathroom is one of those places people expect things to be stay in the same place all the time. If you have to remove bottles, toothbrushes, soaps, and the like, be sure to replace them. It will show the rest of the family that you care enough about your craft that you are willing to go the extra mile in order to do it. Which leads to the next issue: Chemicals.

The fact is, it 's a good habit to NOT pour chemicals down the drain. There are still residences that live off of well systems, and those who don't will be concerned over the effect of chemicals on their pipes. I'm not going to tell you that some chemicals are safe, because regardless of what we understand to be true, your parents and the landlord, are the ones who will evidently make the determination - no matter how much data you provide. And if you're living in an apartment, you know how difficult it can be to get your deposit back. Better to just get into the habit of pouring your used chemicals into another bottle and carrying them out to an acceptable trash recepticle. Still, be sure to discuss this matter with your roommate and your landlord, so there will be no misunderstandings in the future. Even going so far as writing up an extra contract wouldn't hurt. Bottom line: unless everyone is in agreement, you're probably better off not setting up in the apartment. Still, there are alternatives depending on the area you live in. There are community colleges and off-campus studios that will rent their studio for a small fee, either monthly or on a lease.

Remember: Before setting up a darkroom, talk with the parties who will be affected by it. It'll help you and them understand the boundaries needed to make your darkroom experience and they're use of the bathroom enjoyable.

J.B Koskinen

AAPGuild

Be sure to check out these links to learn more!

Developing B&W Film B&W Printing The Basic Darkroom