Traditional photography
Traditional photography is also called analogue photography. It means when images are captured on photographic film using a camera.
The film is made up of layers of light-sensitive emulsion coated on a flexible base (ie the film). The film is exposed to light in a camera. This creates a negative image on the film.
The film is then 'developed' using chemicals. Prints are made by projecting the image from the film onto light-sensitive paper. This photographic paper is then processed through a series of chemical baths.
The processing of both film and paper must take place in darkened rooms (a ‘darkroom’) to avoid light reaching the light-sensitive emulsions.
Types of traditional camera
There are many different types of traditional analogue cameras, including:
- SLR Cameras (Single Lens Reflex)
- Twin Lens Reflex Cameras
- Compact cameras
- Box Brownie cameras
Black and white photographic printing
When developing your own black and white photographic prints it is important to follow darkroom health and safety:
- wear protective clothing such as aprons, goggles and gloves
- don't take food and drink into the darkroom
- clean up any spills as you go
- do not cross-contaminate the chemicals
- use tongs to move your print between the chemical baths
- hold the photograph so that it is vertical to let solution runs off before moving to the next chemical tray
- do not shake your photograph
- wash your hands when finished
