Photo Lab Manual (PDF) - Richland College

Darkroom EtiquetteThe photo lab area is an environment that is shared by many students each semester. Because ofthis, you cannot afford to be selfish. The dripping of chemicals, contamination of solutions, andnot cleaning up your work area, cannot only ruin your negatives and prints, but also those of others.This is why attention to certain points of darkroom etiquette area emphasized with respectto specific procedures that are described in this manual. For now, please take note of the followinggeneral rules for cleanliness and decorum:1. If in Doubt, Rinse it Out!To safeguard your work from chemical contamination, rinse out with hotwater any tanks, reels, beakers, thermometers, or tongs that might be lefton the sinks before using. Never assume that any piece of equipment lyingaround has been cleaned. Check carefully equipment that has been putback into its proper place for stains (dark or white residue) before using.Rinse clean if necessary.2. Don't Drip!When developing your film, keep your tank over the sink at all times.When taking prints out of the darkroom to view or to dry, make sure theyare in a tray to catch any water.3. Keep Your Hands Clean!A cotton towel is mandatory for every student to have in the photo lab.Some students have attached a clip through their towel and fastened it totheir belt loop to as¬sure its always available for drying hands. Rinse yourhands immediately after contact with chemicals. Special care should betaken to make sure that your hands are clean before handling photo paperwhile printing.4. Clean Your Workspace!Before leaving the film developing area, rinse out all equipment used andreturn them to their proper place. Before leaving the printing area, cleanup your station. Any scraps of paper or tape should be disposed of in thegarbage. See: Enlarging Station Checklist on page 42.15