Last week, my darkroom class was a disaster. Or rather, I was a walking disaster in the darkroom. I couldn't remember a single thing from the last session, accidentally exposed test strips a few times and generally made a fool of myself. I have a really bad memory, and when stressed out, it's even worse. After class, I wanted to keep beating myself up, so it's natural that this week, I went in expecting the same results as last time. I'd prepared by watching a few videos so the steps would be clearer and fresher in my mind, but the best piece of advice I got was from Brent: take your time. I did just that and while I didn't get the best prints I could have gotten, I still enjoyed myself. It was fun and relaxing and I memorized things just by taking the time to understand them. I also left with two prints that I liked (not pictured below; those are from the first class) and a few tests that are useful benchmarks for next time. I'm going back in tomorrow to make more prints and might go in on Saturday with a roll or two.
Minolta X-500 // Ilford HP5+
oh lord if i could count the times that i forgot to put a filter in my enlarger, or exposed the wrong side of the paper, or left the light turned all the way up...i am a disaster in the dark room! but if i can be there alone and take my time i usually do better. i'm glad you are enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteAt least the filters are in the enlarger already (at least that's what I was told by another student but I may need to check now!). I've turned the light all the way up twice, too. Thanks! It's been fun these past couple of weeks when I haven't made many mistakes.
DeleteI'm exactly the same way. I forget, get frazzled, and then screw everything up. I think the hardest part about learning, is learning how to do it in the best way for yourself. These are beautiful shots, Anne! I love your black and white.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard not to panic when you're learning something new, or you're unfamiliar with a place. I think you're right about learning to do it in the best way for yourself. I have to accept that my learning style isn't the same as the next person. And thank you! I'm falling in love with black and white. I used to say I wasn't interested in it, but now I love both color and black and white.
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