Common Darkroom Printing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

I have learned that good darkroom prints are rarely about getting everything perfect on the first attempt. Darkroom prints require patience. Minor alterations in exposure time, focus, paper manipulation, and chemicals will produce a major impact on the quality of the picture printed.

While working with photographic paper, I make sure that each step is carefully monitored. A mistake early in the process can become very obvious after the print is developed. Here are some of the most common darkroom printing mistakes I see and the simple ways to avoid them.

1. Not Checking the Negative Carefully

The negative determines the quality of your print. I examine the negative prior to putting it into the enlarger. It could have dust marks, scratches, uneven development, and bad exposure.

Before starting, I check:

• The negative is clean.
• The emulsion is in the correct position.
• There are no visible fingerprints.
• The frame is properly positioned in the enlarger.

Cleaning the negative carefully can save a lot of time later.

2. Using the Wrong Enlarger Focus

Even though an image may appear sharp on the baseboard of the enlarger, the print made from the image may come out soft.

I use a grain focuser when possible. It lets me inspect the film grain and make a more precise focus adjustment.

I also check the focus again after changing the enlarger height. Moving the enlarger can change the focus.

3. Skipping Test Strips

One of the most common mistakes that people make when they are printing photographs in the darkroom is by exposing a whole sheet of paper without a test strip.

It is better to take a test strip first before using the whole sheet of the photograph.

A test strip also gives me a better idea of how the highlights and shadows will appear on the final print.

4. Choosing the Wrong Exposure

An exposure that is too short can leave the print looking flat and weak. An exposure that is too long can make important shadow and highlight details disappear.

I usually make several test exposures and compare them under consistent lighting. I do not judge a wet print too quickly because the appearance can change as it dries.

For better results I keep notes about exposure times and filtration. These notes make future darkroom printing sessions much easier.

5. Poor Chemical Control

Photographic paper requires proper developer, stop bath, and fixing process. If mixed improperly or timed incorrectly, there will be an irregular outcome.

I always follow the chemical manufacturer instructions for mixing and processing times. I also pay attention to temperature because chemical performance can change with temperature.

Fresh chemistry is important too. Old or exhausted chemicals can produce weak or inconsistent prints.

6. Not Agitating the Print Properly

Uneven agitation can cause uneven development. Parts of the paper may receive more chemical action than others.

I make sure the print is completely covered by the developer and use consistent agitation. I follow the same method from print to print rather than changing my technique each time.

Consistency makes it much easier to compare test prints.

7. Touching the Paper With Wet Hands

Photographic paper is sensitive to contamination. Wet or chemically covered hands can leave marks on the surface.

I use clean and dry hands when handling paper before processing. I also keep separate tools for each chemical tray to reduce the chance of contamination.

This is a small habit but it can prevent many frustrating problems.

8. Working Too Quickly

Prints in the darkroom require patience. If I do the work hastily, I have higher chances of making mistakes in exposure, focusing, timing, or mixing of chemicals.

I organize my workspace and get all the equipment ready before switching off the white light. The trays, the timer, the tongs, the paper, and the chemicals should be all ready.

A straightforward workflow will help me focus on the photograph rather than looking for the equipment while making the print.

9. Ignoring Dodging and Burning

Sometimes the basic exposure is not enough to create the print I want. Different areas of a negative may need different amounts of light.

Dodging allows me to reduce exposure in selected areas. Burning allows me to add exposure to specific parts of the image.

I begin by having an exposure that is easy to adjust. This provides me with better control while not compromising the natural appearance of my prints.

10. Failing to Keep Notes

One of the simplest things I have learned to do to become better at darkroom printing is to maintain notes.

For each successful print I can record:

• Paper type
• Developer used
• Enlarger height
• Lens aperture
• Exposure time
• Filter or contrast grade
• Dodging and burning times
• Processing times

These details make it easier to repeat a successful print later.

Getting Better at Darkroom Printing

Mistakes are part of being in the darkroom. I don't expect every print to turn out perfect. Instead, I try to figure out why it didn't work and I make changes in only one thing at a time.

At ICON LA, good film processing and photo printing are crucial for the photographers who prefer using traditional photography techniques. The same care is necessary for darkroom printing.

The key to success is to make prints on a regular basis, write down everything, use test strips and stay consistent in the process. Mistakes that people usually make in the darkroom will become apparent with experience.