Film & darkroom
How a negative becomes a black-and-white darkroom print
The enlarger exposes paper; the paper then has its own processing sequence.
Developing film and making a photographic print are separate processes. A negative is the starting material for the enlarger. The paper receives a new exposure and is then processed using chemistry and times intended for that paper.
Prepare a paper process
ILFORD’s printing guide recommends a paper developer, stop bath and fixer, with separate tools to avoid cross-contamination. Its beginner example uses MULTIGRADE RC paper. Choose the paper and complete its documented processing sequence before deciding on image exposure.
Evidence: Manufacturer guidance
Our first-print route
Place a suitable negative in the enlarger, set the intended size and focus using the equipment’s instructions. Determine exposure with a test strip, then make a full print at the selected setting. Keep the processing conditions unchanged while comparing exposures; otherwise the test and final print answer different questions.
Record a recipe for this image
Write the negative identifier, paper, size, lens aperture, contrast setting and exposure alongside the paper-processing details. After washing and drying, judge the complete print under suitable viewing light. If you alter the image size or filtration, make a fresh exposure test rather than assuming the previous recipe will transfer unchanged.
Sources & further reading
Sources for the specific facts and product descriptions above. Our worked examples, interpretations and practical suggestions are original editorial guidance.
- ILFORD PHOTO — preparing to printManufacturer guidance