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About This Episode
Hey everyone! We’re back with an exciting new episode of “Ey Up Ellis!” and in this episode we dive into the world of analogue photography as we spend some time in the darkroom at The Art House in Wakefield.
Join us as we explore the magic of film photography, the process of making prints in the darkroom, and our own adventures in alternative printing techniques at home.
Meeting Emily, the Darkroom Technician at the Art House
To kick things off, Ellis interviews Emily, who has been instrumental in developing and maintaining the darkroom at The Art House. She walks us through the process, from loading film into the enlarger to watching the images come to life in the developer tray. Emily’s passion for analogue photography is contagious as she explains the unique qualities that make the darkroom such a special place for creatives.
Ellis’ dad recently shot the following short film with Emily. In the film, she talks about what inspired her to first pick up a camera, her love of analogue film and how she helps darkroom members realise their images in the darkroom.
Printing Our Own Work: A Hands-On Experience
With Emily’s guidance, we had the chance to dive into the darkroom ourselves, armed with our own negatives and ready to create. We had a fantastic time, as we learned how to fine-tune our prints, balance contrasts, and work with different exposures. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the hands-on nature of analogue photography, where every decision—whether it’s adjusting the focus or controlling the light—contributes to the final image.
Ellis’ dad had a darkroom when he was younger but it was Ellis’ first time and the excitement of watching his prints slowly emerge in the developer tray is an experience that’s hard to put into words. It’s not just about capturing an image—it’s about crafting a piece of art with your own hands.
Cyanotype Printing at Home: Extending the Creative Process
Our darkroom adventures didn’t end at The Art House. Inspired by the analogue process, we decided to try our hand at cyanotype printing at home. Cyanotypes are an alternative photographic process that uses UV light to create beautiful blue prints, and it was a fun way to keep exploring the tactile side of photography.
Working with cyanotypes was a refreshing change from the controlled environment of the darkroom. It allowed us to be spontaneous and playful, and it reminded us that you don’t need a full studio setup to create something unique. Whether you’re using negatives or simply arranging leaves and flowers, cyanotype printing is an accessible and enjoyable way to bring the magic of analog photography into your own home.
Spending time in the darkroom was so much fun. The tactile process of creating something by hand, the anticipation of seeing your print develop, and the endless possibilities for experimentation make the darkroom a truly magical place. We’re grateful to Emily and The Art House for welcoming us into their world and can’t wait to continue exploring these techniques in our own creative journeys.
So, whether you’re a seasoned film photographer or just curious about the process, this episode of “Ey Up Ellis!” has something for everyone. We hope this episode inspires you to dive into the world of analogue and create something beautiful.
Hope you like it!
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Nice post!