As all photography fanatics would be aware, a darkroom is a specialised room that is used to process photographic film and make prints. As its name suggests, a darkroom must be completely dark at all times to protect light-sensitive photographic materials. Darkrooms are staples within many major cities and photographic hubs – but what if they could be made portable and taken out on the road? Read on for our dissection of the requirements of a darkroom, the setup and process involved with using a darkroom, and a few benefits you’ll find if you opt for a portable darkroom purchase.
What a darkroom requires
To successfully develop photographic film, a darkroom must be properly equipped with several key components to ensure the process is carried out effectively and without compromising the quality of the images. These elements are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the film and producing high-quality photographic prints.
- Light-Tight Space The most important requirement of a darkroom is that it must be completely light-proof. Any exposure to external light sources can ruin the light-sensitive photographic film and paper. This means sealing all doors, windows, and any potential light leaks. Many darkrooms use blackout curtains, foam strips, or light-sealed doors to ensure total darkness when needed.
- Running Water A continuous water supply is essential for film processing, as photographs need to go through multiple washes during development. This helps remove chemicals from the prints and prevents unwanted staining or deterioration. A sink with proper drainage is recommended to facilitate an efficient workflow, allowing easy rinsing of film and prints.
- Developing Chemicals A darkroom requires a variety of photo-developing chemicals, which are used to process film and prints. These typically include:
- Developer: Brings out the latent image on the film or photo paper.
- Stop Bath: Halts the developing process to prevent overexposure.
- Fixer: Stabilises the image and makes it permanent by removing any unexposed silver halide.
- Hypo-Clearing Agent: Speeds up the removal of fixer from the paper or film.
- Washing Agents: Help rinse away excess chemicals, ensuring the longevity of the print.
- Film Developing Tank A film developing tank is a sealed container that allows photographers to develop film without exposing it to light. These tanks are commonly made from either plastic or stainless steel and come with a light-proof lid that enables chemical processing in controlled conditions.
- Temperature Control Film and print development is highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations, with most chemical solutions needing to be maintained at a specific range (usually around 20°C – 24°C). A thermometer is a useful tool in a darkroom to ensure all chemicals and water washes are at the optimal temperature.
- Ventilation System Given that developing chemicals produce strong fumes, proper airflow and ventilation are necessary to ensure a safe working environment. Many darkrooms are equipped with an exhaust fan or air purifier to prevent the build-up of chemical vapours.
- Safe Lighting (Red or Amber Light) While a darkroom must be light-tight during film handling, a safelight is used during printing to allow visibility without affecting the photosensitive materials. Safelights typically use red or amber bulbs, which provide enough illumination for work without causing damage to photographic paper.
By ensuring that all these essential elements are in place, a darkroom—whether traditional or portable—can provide photographers with the ideal environment for film processing and print development.
The setup and process of a darkroom
Within your darkroom, you’ll need to make space for a few specific areas: a dry area, wet area, and processing area. The process begins in the dry area, where you’ll prepare your film in strips, ready to be printed. Next, you’ll transfer your film strips over to a photographic enlarger (also placed in your dry area). Your film negative will be placed inside of the enlarger, and then light is shot through the enlarger lens via the film negative. After focusing and adjusting the image through the enlarger, the image will be projected onto a piece of photo paper. It is now ready to be processed. Moving on to the wet area, your photo paper will start in a developer filled with photo chemicals, and then make its way through a number of water washes with different solutions with water. This process works by making the photo permanent (with the first bath of chemicals), and then washing the chemicals off of the paper with every subsequent water wash. The paper wash stages are typically done in a plastic container, or larger metal tub. Lastly, after your image has made it through the dry and wet areas, it will be dried and flattened with some form of print press. Then the image will be mounted to a board, and can be framed or displayed anywhere you wish. Voila!
Why you should opt for a portable darkroom
For photographers who work with traditional film, having access to a fully functional darkroom is essential for processing and developing their images. While many photographers rely on stationary darkrooms in studios or labs, a portable darkroom offers an innovative and convenient solution that provides greater flexibility, creative freedom, and control over the photographic process. Whether you’re a travel photographer, documentary artist, or film enthusiast, a mobile darkroom can transform the way you work.
1. Develop Photos on the Go
One of the most significant advantages of a portable darkroom is the ability to process and develop photographs while travelling. Instead of waiting to return to a home-based or commercial darkroom, photographers can immediately review, adjust, and refine their prints, ensuring they capture the perfect shot without delays. This is particularly beneficial for those who photograph remote landscapes, wildlife, or cultural events, where returning to a traditional darkroom may not be feasible.
2. Maintain Complete Creative Control Developing your own film while on the road allows for greater artistic control over the entire process. Photographers can experiment with exposure, contrast, and development times to achieve their desired aesthetic without relying on third-party labs. This is especially important for those working on fine art photography or long-term projects, where consistency in film development is key.
3. Reduce Costs Over Time
While setting up a portable darkroom requires an initial investment, it can lead to significant cost savings in the long run. Many photographers rely on professional labs for film processing, which can be expensive and time-consuming, particularly for those who shoot regularly. By having a self-contained darkroom, photographers eliminate the need for outsourcing and reduce overall costs associated with film development.
4. Ideal for Teaching and Workshops
A portable darkroom can be a valuable educational tool for photography instructors, universities, and workshops. It allows students and enthusiasts to experience hands-on film development in different locations, whether in a classroom, outdoor setting, or photography retreat. This mobility enables learning experiences that wouldn’t be possible with a fixed darkroom.
5. A Perfect Solution for Remote Locations
For photographers working in regional, rural, or isolated areas, access to a professional darkroom can be limited or non-existent. A mobile darkroom caravan or converted vehicle ensures that film processing is possible, even in the most secluded environments. This is particularly beneficial for those capturing wilderness photography, scientific research, or cultural documentation, where immediate film development is crucial.
6. Work at Any Hour, in Any Location
Having a personal darkroom on wheels means photographers are not restricted by lab hours or studio access. A portable setup provides the freedom to work at any time of the day or night, ensuring that time-sensitive images can be processed without delay. This is particularly useful for photojournalists and documentary photographers who need to develop film promptly for publication or archival purposes.
7. Customisable to Your Needs
Portable darkrooms can be fully customised and optimised to meet individual workflow requirements. Whether you need specialist enlargers, precise ventilation systems, or additional storage space for film and chemicals, a mobile darkroom caravan can be tailored to fit specific photographic needs.
Purchase a darkroom caravan from Allways Caravans
Inspired to purchase a darkroom caravan of your own? Contact our expert team at Allways Caravans. Our exceptionally designed specialty caravans are optimised to maximise work performance, and ensure they’re suitable for use in any location. Call us for a darkroom caravan quote on (08) 9459 3000.