Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v3 - Senior Secondary 1
Materials and equipment for printing of photographs
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Materials and equipment for printing of photographs
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Subject: Photography
Class: Senior Secondary 1
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 3
Theme: Printing
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This topic introduces Senior Secondary 1 (SS1) students to the fundamental materials and equipment essential for the traditional darkroom printing of black and white photographs. Understanding these components is crucial for comprehending the complete photographic process, from capture to final print. This knowledge is foundational for anyone aspiring to work in professional photography studios, photo laboratories, or even for personal photographic pursuits in Nigeria, where traditional printing methods still hold relevance and offer unique aesthetic qualities.
Performance Objectives:
image from a photographic negative onto a piece of photographic paper. It consists of a light source, a negative carrier, a lens, and a focusing mechanism, all mounted on a column.
Function: To project and enlarge the image from a negative onto photographic paper at a desired size and focus.
Nigerian Context: Enlargers, while largely superseded by digital scanners and printers in commercial studios, are still found in educational institutions and by enthusiasts who prefer traditional methods. Their availability often depends on donations or older stock.
2. Safelight: Explanation: A light source that emits light only in a spectrum that photographic paper is insensitive to (typically red or amber). This allows limited visibility in the darkroom without exposing and fogging the printing paper.
Function: To provide illumination in the darkroom without affecting the light-sensitive photographic paper.
Nigerian Context: Essential for any darkroom. Improvised safelights using low-wattage red bulbs can sometimes be used, but proper safelight filters ensure safety.
3. Developing Trays: Explanation: Shallow, flat-bottomed plastic or stainless steel trays (typically 8x10 or 11x14 inches) used to hold the processing chemicals. A minimum of three (developer, stop, fixer) are needed, plus one for washing.
Function: To hold the chemical solutions and allow for immersion of photographic paper during processing.
Nigerian Context: Readily available in photography supply stores or can be improvised with clean, non-reactive plastic containers.
4. Tongs/Print Grips: Explanation: Plastic or stainless steel tools used to handle photographic paper during processing, preventing contamination of chemicals and protecting the user's hands. Different coloured tongs are often used for each chemical.
Function: To safely move prints from one chemical bath to another without contamination or direct skin contact.
Nigerian Context: Important for hygiene and safety. Colour-coding tongs (e.g., red for developer, white for stop, blue for fixer) is a common practice.
5. Timer: Explanation: A clock or digital device used to precisely measure exposure times in the enlarger and processing times in the chemical baths.
Function: To ensure accurate timing for light exposure and chemical processing steps, critical for consistent results.
Nigerian Context: Simple kitchen timers or even smartphone timers can be adapted, but dedicated darkroom timers offer more precision.
6. Graduated Cylinders/Measuring Cups: Explanation: Used for accurately measuring and diluting chemical concentrates with water.
Function: To accurately measure liquid volumes for chemical mixing and dilution.
Nigerian Context: Standard laboratory equipment that can be sourced from science labs or general chemical suppliers.
7. Thermometer: Explanation: Used to measure the temperature of chemical solutions, as chemical activity is highly dependent on temperature.
Function: To ensure chemical solutions are at their optimal working temperature for consistent processing.
Nigerian Context: Standard darkroom or laboratory thermometers are suitable.
8. Print Washer: Explanation: A system (tray with running water, archival print washer) used for thorough washing of prints after fixing to remove all residual chemicals.
Function: To wash away residual fixer and other chemicals from the print, preventing staining and ensuring archival stability.
Nigerian Context: A sink with running water or a large tray can serve as a basic print washer.
9. Drying Rack/Lines: Explanation: A ventilated rack or a clothesline with clips where processed prints are hung to dry.
Function: To allow prints to dry evenly without sticking together or attracting dust.
Nigerian Context: Can be easily improvised using strings and clothespins or clean, dust-free surfaces.
1
0. Gloves and Apron: Explanation: Personal protective equipment (PPE) worn to protect hands and clothing from chemical splashes.
Function: To protect the user's skin and clothing from contact with photographic chemicals.
Nigerian Context: Essential for safety, particularly with chemicals that can irritate skin.
D. Other Accessories:
1. Squeegee/Rubber Roller: Explanation: A soft rubber blade or roller used to gently remove excess water from prints after washing, speeding up drying.
Function: To remove excess water from prints, speeding up drying and preventing water spots.
Nigerian Context: Can be specific photo squeegees or clean, soft rubber rollers.
2. Lint-Free Cloths: * Explanation: Soft cloths used for cleaning negatives, enlarger lenses, and drying user's skin and clothing from contact with photographic chemicals.
Nigerian Context: Essential for safety, particularly with chemicals that can irritate skin.
D. Other Accessories:
1. Squeegee/Rubber Roller: Explanation: A soft rubber blade or roller used to gently remove excess water from prints after washing, speeding up drying.
Function: To remove excess water from prints, speeding up drying and preventing water spots.
Nigerian Context: Can be specific photo squeegees or clean, soft rubber rollers.
2. Lint-Free Cloths: Explanation: Soft cloths used for cleaning negatives, enlarger lenses, and drying prints carefully.
Function: For cleaning and careful handling to prevent dust and scratches.
3. Dust Blower/Brush: Explanation: Used to remove dust from negatives before enlarging.
Function: To ensure negatives are free from dust, which would otherwise show up as imperfections on the print. The printing of photographs from negatives (especially black and white) involves a chemical process carried out in a light-controlled environment, typically a darkroom. This section details the essential materials and equipment required for this process.
A. Light-Sensitive Materials:
1. Photographic Printing Paper (Photo Paper): Explanation: This is a light-sensitive material, similar to film, but designed for making positive prints. It consists of an emulsion containing silver halides (e.g., silver bromide, silver chloride) coated onto a paper base. When exposed to light and subsequently processed, it forms a permanent image. Photo paper comes in various surfaces (glossy, matte, pearl), weights, and contrasts (grades).
Function: To receive the projected image from the negative and, through chemical processing, render it as a visible, stable photographic print.
Nigerian Context: While digital printing is prevalent, traditional photo paper is still used by discerning photographers, art printmakers, and for archival purposes in some studios. Its availability might vary, with imported brands being common.
B. Darkroom Chemicals: These chemicals are used in sequence to develop, stop, and fix the latent image on the photographic paper.
1. Developer: Explanation: An alkaline solution (e.g., Metol-hydroquinone based) that converts the exposed silver halide crystals on the photo paper into metallic silver, forming the visible image. It is crucial for making the latent image (invisible image formed by light exposure) visible.
Function: To chemically reduce exposed silver halides to black metallic silver, thereby forming the photographic image.
Nigerian Context: Developers are often sold as concentrated liquids or powders that need to be diluted with water according to specific instructions. Local photo labs often mix their own from bulk chemicals to save costs.
2. Stop Bath: Explanation: An acidic solution, typically diluted acetic acid. It immediately neutralizes the alkaline developer, halting its action. This prevents overdevelopment and preserves the longevity of the fixer.
Function: To instantly stop the action of the developer and prevent contamination of the fixer.
Nigerian Context: Vinegar (acetic acid) can sometimes be used as a makeshift stop bath in diluted form if commercial stop bath is unavailable, though commercial products are safer and more consistent.
3. Fixer (Hypo): Explanation: An acidic solution containing ammonium thiosulfate or sodium thiosulfate (historically known as "hypo"). It dissolves away any remaining unexposed silver halides on the photo paper, making the image permanent and insensitive to further light exposure. Without fixing, the image would eventually darken and fade.
Function: To remove unexposed silver halides from the emulsion, making the image permanent and light-stable.
Nigerian Context: Fixer is essential. Its proper use ensures prints last for decades, important for preserving family photos and historical documents common in Nigerian homes and archives.
4. Washing Aid (Optional but Recommended): Explanation: A chemical bath (e.g., sodium sulfite-based) used after fixing to help remove residual fixer from the paper fibers more quickly and efficiently.
Function: To reduce washing time and enhance the archival stability of prints by minimizing the retention of harmful fixer chemicals.
Nigerian Context: While not always used in basic setups, it's vital for high-quality, archival prints that need to last a very long time, such as those for museums or important family collections.
5. Hypo-Clear/Archival Washer (for proper washing): Explanation: Dedicated washing tanks or systems designed to facilitate the thorough removal of processing chemicals from photographic prints using flowing water.
Function: To ensure complete removal of residual processing chemicals from the print, especially fixer, which can degrade the image over time.
C. Darkroom Equipment:
1. Enlarger: Explanation: A specialized projector used in a darkroom to project an image from a photographic negative onto a piece of photographic paper. It consists of a light source, a negative carrier, a lens, and a focusing mechanism, all mounted on a column.
Function: To project and enlarge the image from a negative onto photographic paper at a desired size and focus.
Nigerian Context: Enlargers, while largely superseded by digital scanners and printers in commercial studios, are still found in educational institutions and by enthusiasts who prefer traditional methods. Their availability often depends on donations or older stock.
2. Safelight: * Explanation: Teacher Activities: Introduction (10 minutes): Begin by briefly reviewing the previous topic (e.g., developing negatives). Engage students by asking what happens after a film is developed – how do we get a physical picture? Introduce the concept of photographic printing. State the learning objectives clearly. Show examples of developed black and white prints (if available) or digital images of prints. Explanation and Demonstration (25 minutes): Present each material and piece of equipment systematically, explaining its name, appearance (using visual aids like pictures, diagrams, or actual items if available), and primary function as detailed in "Key Concepts and Explanations." Categorize items (light-sensitive, chemicals, darkroom equipment, accessories) to aid understanding. Emphasize safety precautions when handling chemicals (e.g., wearing gloves, proper ventilation). If a darkroom or mock-up is available, briefly demonstrate the setup of trays, safelight, and enlarger. If not, use videos or detailed diagrams to illustrate the setup and use.
Interactive Discussion (15 minutes): Facilitate a question-and-answer session to check understanding.
Ask questions like: "What would happen if we skipped the fixer?" or "Why do we need a safelight?" Encourage students to share any experiences they have had with traditional photo studios in their communities.
Activity Supervision (10 minutes): Divide students into small groups. Provide each group with a set of pictures or labels of materials and equipment (if actual items are not available) and ask them to match each item to its name and function. Circulate among groups, providing assistance and clarifying misconceptions.
Student Activities: Active Listening and Note-Taking: Students will pay close attention to the teacher's explanations and take comprehensive notes on each material and equipment.
Observation and Identification: Students will observe the presented visual aids (pictures, actual items, videos) to visually identify each material and equipment.
Participatory Discussion: Students will actively participate in the Q&A session, asking clarifying questions and attempting to answer the teacher's prompts.
Group Matching Activity: In groups, students will match the images/labels of materials and equipment with their correct names and functions. Students will discuss within their groups to reach a consensus.
Entrepreneurial Opportunities (Photography Studios & Photo Labs): Application: Understanding photographic printing materials and equipment is a cornerstone for anyone looking to set up or work in a traditional photography studio or photo lab in Nigeria. Many smaller towns and rural areas still rely on analogue photography for portraits, passport photos, and event coverage. Knowledge of these tools allows individuals to offer printing services, photo restoration, or even specialized art prints, creating a source of income.
Local Context: A student with this knowledge could assist or intern at a local studio in Lagos, Ibadan, or Kano, learning the trade, or even start a small darkroom service for fellow photographers or families wanting to digitize old negatives into prints. Preservation of Cultural Heritage and Family History: Application: Photography plays a vital role in documenting Nigeria's rich cultural heritage, historical events, and family legacies. Knowledge of printing materials and processes is essential for properly developing and preserving these photographic records for future generations. Understanding how to correctly fix and wash prints ensures they do not degrade over time, protecting invaluable visual information.
Local Context: Families across Nigeria cherish old photo albums. Students can appreciate the effort behind these prints and even advise on proper handling and storage, contributing to the preservation of their family's visual history, from traditional ceremonies to historical events. Photojournalism and Documentary Photography: Application: While digital photography dominates, many photojournalists and documentary photographers, particularly those working on long-term projects or in remote areas with limited access to digital resources, still appreciate and sometimes utilize traditional film and printing. Understanding the materials allows for greater control over the final image and a deeper appreciation of the medium.
Local Context: A Nigerian photojournalist documenting community life in the Niger Delta or reporting on social issues might find that understanding the complete analogue process enhances their storytelling and allows for versatile production of images for exhibitions or archival purposes.