In this video, I walk you through my hybrid workflow using Ilford Pan F 50 35mm film—from the initial scan to producing a true black-and-white archival print on my Epson P800 printer. You’ll see how I approach scanning with precision and make tonal adjustments that preserve the integrity of the original negative in my post-processing workflow. Whether you’re a film enthusiast or looking to refine your own workflow, this behind-the-scenes look offers insight into creating gallery-quality prints from 35mm film.
Category Archives: Darkroom Diary
The Weight of Silence and the Shape of Light
There’s a certain hour—just before sunrise—when the world feels like it’s holding its breath.
It’s not quite dark, not quite light. Just still. Suspended.
What I Kept: The Tools That Still Matter
After making the difficult decision to downsize my entire darkroom life, I was left standing in the quiet aftermath, surrounded by tools, materials, and memories that had once been central to who I was as a photographer.
But as I began letting go of what no longer served me, I also became deeply intentional about what I chose to keep.
The Psychology of Photography
Photography, as an artistic and technical pursuit, attracts individuals with vastly different approaches to their craft. Some photographers spend a lifetime mastering a single process, whether it be large format film, digital photography, or a specific alternative process like wet plate collodion. Others continually experiment, shifting from one technique to another, embracing the excitement of the unknown. But what drives these differing approaches? Why do some photographers seek consistency while others crave change? The answer lies in human psychology and individual personality traits.
Why I Use Film and Classic 35mm Cameras in a Digital World
In an age where the latest mirrorless cameras can capture 60 frames per second, it might seem irrational—or even impractical—to reach for a 20-year-old Canon EOS-1V and a roll of black-and-white film. But this choice is intentional. It isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about being fully there—mentally, emotionally, and physically—when I’m making an image.
Why You Don’t Need New Camera Gear (And What to Do Instead)
In a world where photography gear is released at a breakneck pace and influencers fill our feeds with glowing reviews of the “next big thing,” it’s easy to feel like your camera is holding you back. The truth is far less convenient for marketers—but far more liberating for artists: your creativity doesn’t live inside your gear. It lives inside you.
Why I Downsized My Entire Darkroom Life
For most of my adult life, my darkroom was my sanctuary. It was where time slowed down, where chemistry met creativity, and where I could lose myself in the quiet magic of hand-making photographs. At over 1,000 square feet, it wasn’t just a space—it was an ecosystem I built over decades. Enlargers, contact printing frames, drying racks, silver baths, safelights, toners, trays, paper, film, glass plates, and shelves of chemicals lined every wall. Every square inch was full of intention.
Visual History of Black and White Developer Formulas From Amidol to XTOL
This article explores the evolution of black and white photographic developer chemistry, not just for film, but for printing papers as well. Every section is fact-checked using trusted sources such as The Darkroom Cookbook (Anchell & Troop), original data sheets, and photographic history archives to ensure 100% credibility.
The Psychology of Photography: Why Do We Capture Still Images?
Photography is more than a technical skill—it is a deeply personal and psychological pursuit. But why do people dedicate themselves to it? What is the underlying drive that compels us to pick up a camera, frame a scene, and press the shutter? In a world where life is fast and fluid, why do we still pause to capture a single, frozen moment?
Ilford HP5 Plus 400 Film Guide
Ilford HP5 Plus 400 is one of the most widely used black and white films in the world—and for good reason. With its distinctive look, forgiving exposure latitude, and flexibility in development, HP5 has earned its place as a go-to stock for photographers of all experience levels. Whether you’re shooting street, documentary, portrait, or landscape work, this film offers a timeless aesthetic and rock-solid performance.