Why I love the darkroom

Shooting and processing film requires a distinctly different approach compared to digital photography. It invites you to slow down, be deliberate, and think carefully about each step. Even the way you approach a subject must shift, as I discovered during my first return to the darkroom. Images that appear striking on a backlit screen don’t always translate well onto paper. While high contrast was my preference on screen, working with film pushed me to pay closer attention to the delicate greys and midtones to create a more compelling and balanced image. There is something genuinely meditative about being in a pitch-black room, where the only sound is the rhythmic tick of the timer as you patiently wait for the chemicals to work their magic. Standing over the developing tray, bathed in the soft glow of the red safelight, you watch an image slowly emerge before your eyes. This hands-on experience also offers a unique insight into the original photographic processes, deepening your appreciation for why modern techniques have evolved the way they have.