Darkroom Diaries - April 2025 - Forth Bridge

Forth Bridge in Queensferry, just outside of Edinburgh, is quite a defining feature. Highly recognisable, unveiled in 1890, and painted bright red - it is truly Scotland's own Golden Gate Bridge of the North.

Which is probably why I had to choose the dullest cloudiest day possible to photograph it.

Well, at least I've had colour film and a massive Mamiya RB67, with equally massive 360mm lens on it. Taking telephoto pictures on medium format film is something that still amazes me every time I get an opportunity. At the moment the only opportunity to use it is to drive to a location, mount it onto the camera and walk the rest of the way, since my current backpack is unable to contain the resulting beast of a camera.

This print is a result of a thought of "after all, how far can we push reds on this Kodak Ektar negative?".

This printing session was at Stills Edinburgh production facilities, and it was a surprisingly busy day with all private darkrooms busy, and even someone braving analog colour printing in addition to myself. Honestly, I wish more people would brave the analog colour. Let's enjoy the moments while Fuji is still producing the colour darkroom paper - it might not last.

Two more prints were finished during this session. First one is from Loch Katrine - originally taken in January with Hasselblad camera and a wide 80mm lens.

Second one was a hike alongside Loch Lomond with Mamiya RB67 and 120mm lens.

Both are effectively studies of colour - by now it's all about subjective feelings, and how far can you push the dials before it becomes a complete mess. A colourful mess nevertheless.

All three prints will be available in the shop hopefully soon!