Film Processing Key Terms

Use film processing key terms to gain further understanding in film development

A photographer could have the perfect image inside a camera, but the world won't benefit from it with improper developing techniques. Learning film processing key terms helps an artist understand different facets of the developing process, resulting in high-quality image output.

Knowing and understanding film processing key terms also helps a professional communicate clearly with customers and other professionals. It demonstrates professionalism in the photography industry. Many key terms revolve around errors in that occur during processing, so knowing their definitions can help you eliminate problems.

 

Blue screen processing

Blue screen processing refers to a special effects process. Professionals use it in film, since it creates an illusion for a background that isn't physically present.
Try: WiseGEEK offers an explanation of blue screen processing for television, film and video. It offers a brief history of the process.

Agitation

To ensure smooth and even development during the development process, a photo developer uses agitation, which is a movement pattern in the development tank that happens at preset, regular intervals.
Try: Photo.net offers a community where photographers gather together to share tips on developing and filming. They discuss topics such as the pros and cons of continuous or intermittent agitation for film processing.

Contamination

For clearer images, one must avoid contamination. This is the term used for chemicals that spread into areas where they shouldn't go. Contamination frequently ruins prints and negatives.
Try: Integrated Publishing offers an illustration of materials one could use for film processing. It describes which materials reduce contamination and even eliminate it completely.

Highlight area

This term refers to the darkest part of the negative and to the lightest spot in a print.
Try: Misti Mountain Observatory, a site that deals with astrophotogray, offers a visual example of a highlight area from film processing. It demonstrates how to work with a highlight area in Photoshop.

Overdeveloped

One considers a film overdeveloped when its negative highlights have too much density, but its areas of shadow appear fine.
Try: The Photocentric offers tips on dealing with overdeveloped film. It provides a forum where members ask questions and receive answers from other professionals in the field on topics such as overdeveloped film.

Overexposed

In film developing, the term overexposed refers to shadowy areas in a negative that are too dense.
Try: Photography Basics offers visual examples of overexposed images. It offers a forum where professionals consult with each other on working with overexposed prints, as well as other film developing topics.

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