Shout Out to Ultra Large Format Photographers

In this video today, I am reaching out to fellow ultra large format photographers asking about interest on the possibility of coming together and having Tim at Stearman Press making us some daylight development trays (like the 8×10 and 8×20 models).

If you are an ultra large format photographer and are interested in this, please comment here or send me an email (tim@timlaytonfineart.com) and let me know so I can relay our support to Tim at Stearman Press. Make sure you list the formats that you shoot so we get an idea of the most popular sizes.

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Benefits of Daylight Trays

Ultra large format (ULF) photography is a rewarding yet demanding pursuit. Whether working with sheet film, paper negatives, X-ray film, silver gelatin paper negatives, or making prints, handling large sheets of film or paper in the dark isn’t easy or a lot of fun. Many ULF photographers still rely on open trays in complete darkness, deep tanks, or rotary processing drums. However, daylight development trays—such as those from Stearman Press—offer compelling advantages.

I use my SP-810 daylight trays exclusively for my 8×10 and smaller (i.e., whole plate, 2 x 5×7, or 4 x 4×5 negatives) and I also have the 8×20 daylight tray system. As I mentioned in the video, I use them in my darkroom and mobile darkroom when I am in the field.

Here are some of the benefits that I thought about off the top of my head. If I have missed something, please add it to the comments at the bottom.

Ability to Develop in Daylight

Traditional development methods require a fully dark environment during film processing, making workflow cumbersome. A daylight development tray eliminates this challenge:

• Film or paper is loaded in darkness, but all further processing occurs in normal room light once sealed.
• This especially benefits those without a dedicated darkroom or photographers in temporary or mobile setups. Get your big negative or print loaded and then turn on the lights!

Improved Precision & Consistency

Developing large negatives by inspection (e.g., pulling a negative from a tray under a safelight for evaluation) is common but it can introduce inconsistencies. With a daylight tray:

• Agitation remains uniform, reducing the risk of uneven development.
• Chemistry flows consistently, avoiding streaking, over-development, or mottling, sometimes seen in tray processing.
• Repeatability is improved—every negative gets the same development treatment, which is crucial.

More Efficient Chemistry Use

Deep tanks require large volumes of chemistry, and traditional trays often lead to waste from oxidation or spillage. Daylight trays:

• Use less chemistry per sheet due to their compact design.
• Keep chemicals fresh longer by reducing oxidation, extending usability.
• Allow for smaller, more precise development, useful for fine-tuning exposure and contrast. Once you get the steps in your workflow nailed down for the processing times, it is just a matter for dumping out the chemistry, rinsing, and going to the next step in open room light.

Easier Handling of Large Sheets

Processing an big negatives or prints in an open tray can lead to:

• Scratches and damage from handling in the dark.
• Uneven development due to improper movement of chemistry over the surface.
• Accidental fogging when moving prints in and out of safelight conditions.

Daylight trays eliminate these issues by ensuring:

• Film or paper remains stationary, reducing risk of scratches.
• Consistent chemistry contact, preventing patchy development.
• There is less need for physical handling, which is particularly useful for delicate materials like paper negatives.

Space-Saving Alternative to Large Tanks/Trays

ULF photographers often need custom-built darkrooms with large sinks, but:

• Deep tanks and large trays take up significant space. You can eliminate all trays and use the Daylight Tray for all steps in your workflow. I rinse between steps to avoid any residual chemistry issues.
• Handling large trays full of liters of chemistry is physically demanding.
• A daylight tray system is compact, allowing for processing in smaller darkroom spaces.

For those working in small home darkrooms, a daylight tray reduces space needs while still supporting large formats.

Less Physical Strain, More Creative Focus

Processing ULF negatives and prints requires physical endurance, as:

• Large trays mean lifting and moving heavy chemistry.
• Pouring chemicals in the dark risks spillage and waste.
• Deep tanks require standing for long periods.

A daylight development tray:

• Eliminates heavy lifting—you’re only handling a small amount of chemistry at a time.
• Reduces workflow stress, allowing you to focus more on the creative aspects of printing.

A Smarter Way to Process Ultra Large Format Negatives & Prints

As ultra-large format photographers, we embrace historical processes, but that doesn’t mean we can’t benefit from modern innovations. Daylight development trays provide a practical solution for those wanting greater efficiency, control, and consistency in their darkroom workflow. Whether you’re processing film, paper negatives, plates or your prints, a daylight tray can help you spend more time creating and less time struggling with cumbersome development methods in open room light after the tray is light-safe.

Did I miss something? If so, please share your thoughts and ideas in the section below?

If you are an ultra large format photographer and are interested in this, please comment here or send me an email (tim@timlaytonfineart.com) and let me know so I can relay our support to Tim at Stearman Press. Make sure you list the formats that you shoot so we get an idea of the most popular sizes.