Selecting the right film processing technique
Even in the age of digital photography, many professionals still prefer the traditional medium for capturing their images. This means that finding the right laboratory to do film processing and printing such photographs is quite important to get the quality you need for your final product.
Film processing is a highly specialized technique by which chemicals are used to treat film / photographic paper after exposure in order to produce a negative or positive image. This enables the transformation of a latent image to visible picture. The process makes them insensitive to light.
Different film types require different treatments. It takes experience and expertise to ensure that these images are developed with the perfect blend of chemicals and technique. To find out which type of film process is best for your project, here’s an insight from Advanced Photo Lab Experts:
Different Types of Film Processing
Different artists require a variety of film processing techniques to achieve the full impact of their work. As such, it is important to understand the different types of film processing techniques that are available at Advanced Photo Lab to ensure that the client will achieve the desired outcome.
Black and White
There are many artists who want to achieve the full impact of their work by depicting images in black and white. Photographers who specialize in black and white photography use a special B&W film that is more stable than colored film. However, not all photography laboratories are able to cater to this since black and white films need to be processed using special chemicals and equipment that are not typically found in regular photo studios.
Advanced Photo Lab has a team of experienced developers who ensure that the film is handled professionally using only the perfect solution, temperature and agitation before they are rinsed, scanned, cut and finally delivered.
C41 Color
C41 color processing is the most popular film processing technique for colored prints developed by Kodak.
After that, there is a process wherein the bleach converts the silver to silver halide which will be soluble in the fixer. The final step entails a wash, a final stabilizer, and a rinse to form the perfect colored images. Throughout the process, it is essential to achieve a consistency in the temperature and agitation of the film in order to achieve perfect results, something that the experts at Advanced Photo Lab have mastered through several years of experience.
E6 Slide
The slide film is typically used to produce a positive image on a transparent base as opposed to color negatives, where the lightest areas in the photographs are the darkest and then reversed during the scanning process. Photographers use the slide film because it boasts of a lower ISO, but has very fine grain and vivid colors.
This film development process is also quite tedious as it requires going through a “6 bath” procedure. Professional laboratories such as Advanced Photo Lab make sure that the film goes through the first developer bath, the first water stop bath, the reversal bath, the color developer bath, the pre-bleach bath, the bleach bath and the fixer bath to come up with images with sharp and compelling colors.
Medium and Large Format
Depending on the need, photographers often employ the use of different formats for their projects. Medium format is typically 120 mm and is preferred over the standard 35mm format because it has a larger size image and a shallower depth of field that provide the opportunity to print bigger images from the negatives without the grain.
Large formats are literally larger films intended for special cameras called view cameras. Because of their size, they are often preferred in shooting landscapes and allows for more room for creativity among professionals and enthusiasts. Advanced Photo Lab have been handling these special films and producing breathtaking images for years. Their team of experts will definitely process your masterpiece to perfection.
Lomo
Toy cameras using medium format 120mm films like Holga, Diana, Lomo and Blackbird Fly have been rising as a trend in previous years among photography enthusiasts who want to channel a stylish and playful vibe for their hobby. Advanced Photo Lab offers print services for C41 color negative, E6 color transparency and even offer the option of cross processing via black and white to deliver on quality prints that convey the photographer’s creative spirit.
Choosing the Right Partner
The professionals at Advanced Photo Lab not only cater to your printing needs but also offer sound advice based on their combined years in the field of photography and film processing.
If you’re still unsure of what service or product is right for your needs, seek the help of a professional and contact Advanced Photo Lab at (818) 347-4686. Check browse our website to get a complete listing and description of the printing services we provide and learn why we’ve been trusted by true professionals for the better part of two decades.
We offer free estimates for specialized services, while our online platform allows you to place your order easily and quickly. Let us help you achieve your goals and bring your art to life!
