Traditional photography is also called analogue photography. It means when images are captured on photographic film using a camera.

The film is made up of layers of light-sensitive emulsion coated on a flexible base (ie the film). The film is exposed to light in a camera. This creates a negative image on the film.

The film is then 'developed' using chemicals. Prints are made by projecting the image from the film onto light-sensitive paper. This photographic paper is then processed through a series of chemical baths.

The processing of both film and paper must take place in darkened rooms (a ‘darkroom’) to avoid light reaching the light-sensitive emulsions.

Types of traditional camera

There are many different types of traditional analogue cameras, including:

• SLR Cameras (Single Lens Reflex)
• Twin Lens Reflex Cameras
• Compact cameras
• Box Brownie cameras

Black and white photographic printing

When developing your own black and white photographic prints it is important to follow darkroom health and safety:

• wear protective clothing such as aprons, goggles and gloves
• don't take food and drink into the darkroom
• clean up any spills as you go
• do not cross-contaminate the chemicals
• use tongs to move your print between the chemical baths
• hold the photograph so that it is vertical to let solution runs off before moving to the next chemical tray
• do not shake your photograph
• wash your hands when finished