Building a Darkroom

Let me start off immediately that this is by no means a definitive guide to building a darkroom. This is a project that has continuously evolved over the past five months or so. I was fortunate enough to come across some darkroom equipment for sale by a friend and well known portrait photographer, as well as a fantastic person all around.
He sold me his Zone VI enlarger, print washer, trays, chemicals and a spattering of other useful equipment to get my darkroom up and operational. I had to move this all in a 1995 Subaru Legacy sedan. Along with a dog. The only thing I couldn't fit at the time was a de-humidifier and drying screens. Since that time I have found the location in house to build my darkroom and how to build it.

First off, I looked online for ways to build a sink for my trays and spills from the trays. I found some fantastic instructions by rustee on how to build one. I've yet to try it, but I am hopeful.


Once the sink was in place (this is in my attic by the way) I could start planning the walls and plumbing, well walls anyway. I drew some plans and estimated the amount of lumber I would need, but after considerable thought and lack of money I looked for alternative methods to 1x4 inch lumber. I work at a Local Bike Shop so I have access to cardboard, big thick cardboard boxes. A gallon of Elmer's Glue, a few cheap brushes, a straight edge and a utility knife and several hours later:

I cut strips of cardboard at (approximately) four inches and brushed glue on one after until I had laminated boards four layers thick. All that had to be done after is cut to length and build the wall.

Next up: Enlarger table and door! Not exciting enough? Wait until the chemicals come out.

Enlarger table is done. I've added drying rack under the enlarger, two screens to help the fiber paper stay flat as they dry.


Here it is, the Zone VI on my table made from a reclaimed pallet. As you can see the screens fit nicely. I also happened upon a free micro fridge to store film and beer. Beer will be a new addition to my darkroom, as I've only ever used darkrooms on school property. Me thinks this is either a good idea or one that should be left to the waste basket of not too wise moves.
I'm in the process of designing the doorway and door along with plumbing and light leak blockage.

KY Jelly and Cameras

I've recently been struck with photographers block, nothing is fun and everything I shoot tends to bore me and anyone looking at the photos. I thought it was time to pull out some of the old photographers tricks, such as smearing viscous fluids on a filter and shooting black and white film.
After an evening in the darkroom and several prints to look at over the weekend, I find myself refreshed and hopeful in the world of photography.

The train had just arrived in Aberystwyth and as I sat and watched the people disembark I shot a few and noticed that a man and his daughter were watching the train as if a family member, perhaps the girls mother, was leaving.



Walking around Aberystwyth I've become fascinated with the little covered alleys that lead to enclosed courtyards and gardens that are never seen. They offer up some mystery to the curious observer and often times bored photographer.



I didn't us the filter and lube on this picture of tree trunks, just a slow shutter speed and vertical panning. Maybe panning isn't the correct term as usually a moving object will be in the picture that is in some sort of sharp focus. Sweeping may be a better term for this.

Slow shutter and low ISO

This image was me running into a flock of birds with a slow shutter speed and low ISO. I had hoped the birds would take wing, but they only hopped away.


I took Shorty on a walk and using a slow shutter and low ISO I panned him as he ran towards me.

The rocks and water of Aberystwyth, an ND8 filter and f/22 got some movement in the water.

I stacked some cheap macro tubes and set my 50mm 1.8 at f/16 on a windy day and shot a dry flower on the rocks above North Beach in Aberystwyth.

Sometimes using the camera in different ways can be liberating. Having an idea, however vague it may be, and then trying to realize it is to me one of the greatest uses for a camera. None of these may be fantastic pictures, but they were fun to make.

Central Australia June 2009

I've been trying to keep a log of my travels and photography but it seems sometimes that I get caught up in the excitement of seeing a new place. That invariably leads to forgetfulness and a complete and utter lack of responsibility on keeping notes.
I was lucky enough to visit Uluru-Kata Tjutu and Watarrka this summer. I had a fantastic time taking pictures and lazing around in our Toyota Hi-Top camper van for several days.

This picture is Atila, or as William Gosse named it, Mt. Conner. It is quite common for visitors to mistake this flattop mesa as Uluru. Mt. Conner rises above the surrounding sand plain by more than 300 meters. It is in the Curtin Springs Pastoral lease, it is an important part of the Aboriginal peoples history and life.

Our trusty and comfy Hi-Top camper van. Hired through Apollo. It came with a fridge, gas top stove, microwave, sink and room for at least three people maybe four. It comes with a first aid kit (you will be charged for it if you use it) and a large on-board water tank.




Night photography at the local campgrounds can be fantastic. The colors were never dull the entire time there.

It is difficult to post a picture each day w/out a digital camera.

I sent my 30d to Glasgow today for repairs ( Err 99). So now I'm using film again, or as my main source of photography. After leaving my camera in the care of Royal Post I took a gander in our local thrift store and found a Zeiss Ikon Ikonta with an extinction meter. Looks nice sitting on top of the Zeiss, but I think I'll stick with the Sunny 16 rule and try to remember everything I learned in school about f stops and ISO.

Shorty had to visit the vet today. A little operation to lower his overriding urge to procreate. Sadly that is the picture for the day.

Blur for fun

It snowed overnight, so up and out of the flat early today before it melts. As I was trying for some small depth of field pictures a couple out for a walk passed me. I took the chance to catch them on the path framed by large trees. As the in focus picture was boring, I though an out of focus would be worth a try.