printmaking

darkroom printing is a multi-step process that asks more of the printmaker than making a modern inkjet print…

1. the negative is placed in the enlarger (similar to a projector) and the image is composed onto the easel (this holds the photo paper)

2. a series of test exposures are made to determine which exposure settings are needed to get the best print possible

3. each test print must be chemically developed, just like the negative that made the image to begin with

4. the final exposure is made on the paper and the print is developed, washed, and dried

all these steps take place under a red light called a safelight to ensure the paper is only exposed by the enlarger. once the paper goes through the complete development process, it can be viewed under normal lighting.

if you are interested in prints of your work, please use the contact page to reach out.