What Are Film Prints?
Film prints are physical photographs created by projecting or directly exposing a developed film negative (or positive) onto light-sensitive photographic paper. The resulting image is then developed using a series of chemical baths in a darkroom environment. This analog process can produce both black and white and color prints, depending on the type of film and paper used.
Types of Film Prints
1. Contact Prints
Contact prints are made by placing negatives directly onto the photographic paper and exposing them to light. This method produces prints that are the exact same size as the negatives and is especially common for large format film and contact sheets used to evaluate images.
2. Enlargements
Using a tool called an enlarger, photographers can project the image from a small negative onto a larger piece of photographic paper, creating prints of various sizes. This process allows for artistic control over cropping, contrast, and composition.
The Darkroom Process
Creating film prints involves a meticulous darkroom workflow:
Exposure – The negative is placed in an enlarger or directly onto the paper for contact printing.
Development – The exposed paper is processed in a series of chemical baths:
Developer: reveals the latent image.
Stop bath: halts the development process.
Fixer: makes the image light-safe.
Wash: removes residual chemicals to prevent degradation.
Drying & Finishing – Prints are air-dried or heat-dried, and optional toning (e.g., sepia or selenium) can be applied for artistic or archival purposes.
Paper Types for Film Printing
Resin-Coated (RC) Paper: Easier to handle, dries quickly, and is less expensive—ideal for beginners and general use.
Fiber-Based Paper: Offers superior tonal range and archival quality; preferred by fine art photographers.
Ilfochrome/Cibachrome: A dye destruction process for printing from slides, known for vivid color and excellent longevity.
Advantages of Film Prints
Archival Longevity: Properly processed and stored film prints can last over a century, making them ideal for museums and historical preservation.
Tactile Aesthetic: The physical texture, depth, and grain of film prints offer a uniquely artistic feel.
Creative Control: Techniques like dodging, burning, and toning allow photographers to manually shape the final image.
Authenticity: Each print is a handcrafted product, often with subtle variations that make it one-of-a-kind.
Film Formats and Their Impact on Prints
35mm Film: Most common format; produces good-quality enlargements up to medium sizes.
Medium Format (120/220 Film): Offers higher resolution and detail, making it suitable for large, high-quality prints.
Large Format (4×5", 8×10"): Delivers unparalleled detail and tonality; often used for fine art and archival prints.
The Role of Film Prints Today
While digital photography dominates the mainstream, film printing is experiencing a resurgence among enthusiasts and professionals who value the deliberate, hands-on nature of analog work. It encourages mindfulness in composition, a deeper understanding of photographic principles, and a tangible connection to the image-making process.
Workshops, darkrooms, and print labs are once again in demand, proving that film is not just a nostalgic relic—but a living, breathing craft.
Conclusion
Film prints represent more than just photographs; they are artifacts of time, intention, and craftsmanship. From the darkroom to the gallery wall, they embody the richness and depth that analog processes uniquely provide. As technology continues to evolve, film printing remains a powerful medium for those who seek to slow down, create with purpose, and produce work that stands the test of time.
