The Process of Obtaining a Photograph

The main principal of photography has not changed since the invention of photography in the 1840s. This principle relies upon using light sensitive materials to permanently record a picture.  Today’s photographic processes use different technologies than used in the early 1900s. However, the basic steps required to obtain a photograph remain very similar, and in both cases are comprised of three main steps:

1. Taking the picture
2. Developing the film
3. Printing the negatives

1. Taking the Picture 
To obtain an interesting photograph, photographers of any era, Byron Harmon’s or today, must consider various elements before a photograph is taken. The photographer must consider the choice of the subject matter, and the best way to photograph it, for instance: what is the best position to take the photograph? Should the photographer bend down low or get higher, move in or move back? Should the camera be held horizontally or vertically? Once these questions are answered the photographer must decide what equipment is needed. Does the photographer use a tripod, a flash? What film and what kind of lens is appropriate? When these questions are answered the photographer is ready to take the picture.

The photographer then presses a button on the camera called the shutter release button. This opens the camera’s shutter, and lets light into the camera. The light reacts with the light-sensitive emulsion on the film, and records the picture in this emulsion.  This reaction is invisible until the film is developed. 

2. Developing Black and White Film
When the pictures are taken, and the film is ready to develop the film is taken into the darkroom.  Because the film is still light sensitive, it is transferred from its film cartridge into a light safe canister in complete darkness.  Because the canister does not let light in the lights can be turned on once the film is in the canister.  At this point a series of chemicals are run through the canister for specific amounts of time.  These chemicals develop the film, turning the film into negatives necessary for printing the photographs. Now the negatives are not sensitive to light because the chemicals that they were developed in also stabilized them so that they could be viewed in daylight.

3. Making the Photograph
The paper that the photograph will be printed on is covered with a light-sensitive emulsion. For this reason photographs have to be printed in a darkroom with the only light source being a safelight, which is a special red light that does not affect the paper. 

Negatives are printed through an enlarger. The negative is placed in the enlarger and while only the safelight is on the photographic paper is put under the enlarger.  When the enlarger is turned on, light travels through the negative and projects an image onto the paper.  The image can be focused, much like a camera, and the amount of light can be adjusted. By making a contact sheet, and through tests, the photographer determines how much light is needed to make a good print.  Once this is determined the photographer is ready to make the final print.  After the paper is exposed, it is processed by soaking the paper in a series of chemicals that develop and fix the image on the paper.  The paper is no longer light sensitive after being run through the chemicals. The print is then washed, dried, and ready to enjoy. 

– Introduction – The Art of Seeing – Camera Equipment and Darkroom – Gallery –
– Educational Resources – Through the Lens – Whyte Museum –