Darkroom Printing Services
Developed in a controlled darkroom environment; get precise control over exposure and contrast, resulting in rich and dynamic prints that emphasize the unique characteristics of each frame.
Need A More Custom Approach?
Book a Darkroom Consultation with One of Our Experts
DARKROOM PRINTING CUSTOMIZATIONS
The traditional method for processing film prints, darkroom printing provides a sumptuous look and feel to any photo. We print conventional proof/contact sheets and optically enlarged prints from your negatives in our color and black & white darkrooms.
We use archival Kodak Endura and FujiColor papers for color negatives and Ilford paper for black and white negatives. We also hand print on black and white Fiber papers in a variety of surfaces.
You can print a range of sizes, with multiple print formats and border options.
TURNAROUND TIMES
The listed turnaround times are based on when we receive your film or negatives until we ship your order back to you or have it ready for in-store pickup. Turnaround times do not account for shipping time to or from us. If you ship something to us, please account for the added shipping time.
- STANDARD: 7 business days from receipt of your materials.
- Rush 100%: 3 business days from receipt of your materials.
- Rush 200%: 1 business day from receipt of your materials.
BRING YOUR FILM TO OUR LAB IN LOS ANGELES
Of course, you can come by! We accept walk-ins any time during regular open hours.
5450 WILSHIRE BLVD
LOS ANGELES, CA 90036
WHAT IS DARKROOM PRINTING & HOW DOES IT WORK?
Darkroom printing is a traditional method of creating photographic prints from film negatives. It involves the use of a darkroom, which is a light-tight room or space where photographic materials can be handled without being exposed to light.
To create a darkroom print, the photographer places a film negative in an enlarger, which is a specialized piece of equipment that projects an enlarged image of the negative onto light-sensitive paper. The size and focus of the image can be adjusted using the enlarger’s settings. The paper is then placed in a tray of developer solution, which activates the light-sensitive chemicals and begins the process of creating the final print.
The print is then placed in stop bath to halt the developing process, followed by a fixer solution to make the image permanent and stable. Finally, the print is washed in water to remove any residual chemicals and dried.
Darkroom printing is often considered an art form because it allows the photographer to control every aspect of the print-making process, from selecting the paper type and contrast to adjusting the exposure time and dodging and burning specific areas of the image to enhance the final result. It also requires a certain level of skill and knowledge of chemistry and technique to create consistent, high-quality prints.