OTTAWA FILM DARKROOM INSTRUCTION FOR STUDENTS/PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER SERVING OTTAWA, STITTSVILLE, KANATA, BARRHAVEN, NEPEAN, ORLEANS ONTARIO, MANOTICK, MERRICKVILLE,RICHMOND

NOVEMBER 2025

STUDENTS FILM/DARKROOM INSTRUCTION

Hello Everyone:

Great to have you here again! 🙂

I was contacted recently by a students association regarding vintage film/darkroom processing techniques which have become a limited resource for people wishing to learn how to process their own black & white film imagery in 2025.

I responded favourably to the students request wishing to expand their level of education and welcomed them into my studio and introduced them to medium format, 120 roll film cameras, and the developing tanks necessary to process this film. This was a most informative get together for the students conducted in a very casual, relaxed atmosphere which they mentioned, greatly assisted their ability to grasp these new techniques. When I provide students with knowledge pertaining to various areas of my business, I will always take the necessary time to ensure they understand the methods behind my 40 year background in photography.

I provided them with information pertaining to loading my professional Hasselblad film camera, which is something they have never experienced and they welcomed this with enthusiasm should they ever have the pleasure of owning one of these products. Loading film into a film back can seem intimidating at first but like anything else in life, continuing the procedure on a repeated basis is the best way of learning. Again, taking the time in a non rushed environment is my way of instructing and it makes students feel less apprehensive about asking questions etc.

Following the loading of film backs, we proceeded to discuss the appropriate tanks to process the film in, and very importantly, how to agitate the film and setting the correct temperature of the chemistry. There have been several variations on agitation methods over countless decades, and I have altered my technique in comparison to when I first began film development 40 years ago.

We then proceeded into the darkroom where I explained the features of the enlarger I am using which is a unique product being one of “cold light”. This is a lovely diffused light which does not increase contrast in negatives and represents great levels of variation. Many enlargers in the past came equipped with a “condenser” light head which in my opinion, is not a good choice overall due to the fact that this type of product increases specularity and contrast in your prints.

Now it came time to actually expose photographic paper and process it. After I did a couple of test run prints showing the students the steps involved, I was happy to let them proceed on their own. Their interest was unquestionable being that they absorbed practically all the steps I was providing them with and the excitement grew when they submerged the exposed paper in the developer to let the magic happen as they described it. One of the students commented on the fact that this is truly an art form being completely hands on and how disappointing digital can be doing so much for you automatically. They had a sincere appreciation for the traditional methods of image creation that many people today take for granted or don’t even consider at all. Their second print run was equally exciting making time fly by at accelerated rates soon drawing a close to our get together.

Being a teacher for a number of years was a pleasure to be of help to others interested in acquiring this skill set. Our instructional program now came to end and I felt fortunate to have been able to be of service to others wishing them the best of luck on future endeavours.

With Good Wishes Extended,  🙂

Jeff Ryan Photography/Ryan Studio Ottawa

www.jeffryan-photography.com

5 Star Photographer

40 Years In Business