How to Build Your Own Darkroom

If you have an interest in developing film photography, you know this is not easy to do these days. If you prefer to work with film, then you also know getting it traditionally developed is an increasingly difficult process. Dropping it at a drugstore usually involves a digital process more often than a chemical one. Unless you are willing to pay specialty prices, you may want to try and process film yourself. If this is the case, you have one of two options: putting together your own lab or finding one you can use. No matter which you choose, developing your own film will completely change your relationship with celluloid.

If building your own dark room is too complicated or impossible, definitely try to borrow one. For labs in your area, try contacting local art schools, universities or camera shops. You may have to pay a small fee, but you may get a quick tutorial and supplies out of the deal.

To build your own dark room you will need a dark, clean room and plenty of ventilation. Once you have secured a location, buy some gaffer’s tape to seal off any remaining light from windows. The materials you will need include development solution, a decent enlarger and protective gloves and goggles. Solution kits can often be purchased online for a fraction of the cost of purchasing all of the chemicals separately. Ebay is a wonderful resource for this equipment.