Although I love digital photography, I have little experience with film photography other than disposable cameras, but I would love to learn. Today at the Seidel Photography Museum, we were able to learn how to develop film and the darkroom process. We chose the items to expose on the film paper and brought the film into each different wash with only a red light.
To me the process of creating photos on film is much more intentional than digital photography. Because of the expenses of developing film, each photo must be thought out. On a digital camera, you can take as many photos as your memory card will hold. You have time to change your settings and adjust your position. Then you upload them to your computer with no additional cost. With film each step in the process from capturing the moment to developing it must be planned out.
The museum was originally Josef Seidel’s house where he would take family portraits for people. The design of the room where he would take photos was created in a way where the light was even at all times of the day. It was a beautiful room with a backdrop for portraits and a space for people to get dressed up. For many people it was the first time their photo was ever taken so he had to make them feel comfortable. He did so by painting the walls green and adding comfortable chairs to the waiting room.
After Josef’s death, his son took over the family business. The photos and house were later rediscovered and put on display for the public.