Making a return to photography: thoughts on developing a workflow

[pthornto]

I want to get back into black and white film photography and printing after being away from it for a couple of years. Although I remember a lot of the technical aspects of developing film and making prints, in my previous efforts I feel that I was more of a dabbler, and never really got to where I was happy with getting prints that were consistent. When I think back on it, one of the reasons may be that I never developed a disciplined workflow in going from shooting, processing film, and finally making lots of prints (in my previous living arrangement the enlarger took some effort to set up!). What are your thoughts on developing a good workflow? I think that setting myself specific projects and goals for printing would definitely help. Also, although experimentation is fun, my thought is to stick to one format, film, developer and work on it for awhile. So help me out- what worked well for you?

Thanks,
Paul

 

[Sirius Glass]

For a good flow try a diuretic. However I prefer to shoot the film, develop it and print it in that order leaving time for the second and third parts to dry.

All siriusness aside, I do not have a formal workflow. Some times I will have an idea and make it an assignment other times I just take photographs when I feel like it. How quickly I develop the film depends on my mood.

 

[pbromaghin]

Thomas Bertillson is the one to talk to about this. He's taking time off from APUG right now to do some other things, but he really can explain the virtues of discipline - one film, one developer, one this, one that. He really has it dialed in and is producing some absolutely beautiful prints in his old, moldy, basement laundry room. He might answer a PM.

I can't stop experimenting and just screwing around with different films, cameras, formats, developers, etc., so I destroy a lot of film with all my mistakes and inconsistencies. Not a recommended path.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Thomas Bertillson is the one to talk to about this. He's taking time off from APUG right now to do some other things, but he really can explain the virtues of discipline - one film, one developer, one this, one that. He really has it dialed in and is producing some absolutely beautiful prints in his old, moldy, basement laundry room. He might answer a PM.

I can't stop experimenting and just screwing around with different films, cameras, formats, developers, etc., so I destroy a lot of film with all my mistakes and inconsistencies. Not a recommended path.

Also what both of them said.

I do keep with that with the exception that Kodak Tri-X 400 does not come in 4"x5" sheets so I use Ilford HP5+ for that.