004: My Ritual of Film Developing

“The Developing Process Step-by-Step”

My Ritual of Film Developing

There’s something magical about developing film—a process that feels equal parts science experiment and meditation. For me, it’s about getting hands-on with the craft, taking control of how my images come to life, and letting the unpredictability of analog photography surprise me every step of the way. Let’s break down my process in a way that’s real and relatable.

I usually work with Kodak Tri-X 400 film, one of my go-tos. I rate it (or push it) to 800 ISO to give me that extra flexibility when I’m creating images in low light. But here’s the twist: when it comes time to develop, I treat it as if I’ve shot it at 1600 ISO. That push gives the negatives that extra contrast and grit—the kind of texture that makes analog photography sing.

For my developer, I ride with Kodak D-76. It’s a classic, tried-and-true formula that gets the job done. I pair it with Ilford Stop Bath and Ilford Rapid Fixer to keep the process smooth and consistent. And honestly, my little helper in all of this is the Dev it! app. It’s my guide for nailing those times to the second.

Here’s how it all goes down:

• Developing: 10 minutes and 20 seconds of immersion in D-76. It’s all about agitating at just the right intervals to let those shadows and highlights breathe.

• Stop Bath: A quick 1-minute rinse with Ilford Stop Bath to halt the development process. It’s like hitting pause on a record—you don’t want the music to run away from you.

• Fixing: Anywhere from 3 to 6 minutes in Ilford Rapid Fixer. This step locks the image in, making it permanent and ready to handle the light of day.

• Washing: A thorough 3-minute wash under running water until every trace of chemical is gone. There’s something so calming about this step—just watching the negatives clear up.

• Final Touch: Kodak Photo-Flo 200 for a streak-free finish. It’s like the cherry on top before I hang the negatives to dry and let them do their thing.

Developing film is more than just chemistry and timing; it’s a dialogue between you and your images. The process forces you to slow down, be intentional, and appreciate the journey from exposure to final frame. It’s a ritual, a moment of stillness in a world that moves way too fast.

This isn’t just about creating images; it’s about connecting with the medium, the history, and the story you’re telling.

So, the next time you see a finished print or scan, remember that it’s more than just an image. It’s the culmination of light, time, chemistry, and care—and there’s nothing quite like it.

003: Being Featured on Paulie B's Walkie Talkie Series

Being Featured on Paulie B's Walkie Talkie Series

Shot on: Leica M5, Kodak Tri-X 400, 35mm Film

Paulie B's Walkie Talkie series. This wasn’t just a regular feature—it was a moment that made me stop and say, “WTF.” Being the first person from Atlanta on the series added a layer of pride and significance that’s hard to put into words.

Paulie B’s Walkie Talkie is not your typical interview series. It’s a platform where real stories are told, creativity is celebrated, and artists are given the space to reflect on their journeys. Walking through the city with him as he recorded me photographing and asked questions felt less like an interview and more like a meaningful conversation with someone genuinely interested in my perspective.

This opportunity pushed me to reflect on why I do what I do. Why do I pick up my camera? What draws me to document the world through my lens? How does my identity as a Black artist shape the way I create? These questions are always with me, but this experience gave me the space to express them in ways I hadn’t before.

This wasn’t just about being featured; it was about being part of a bigger story. It’s about showing up authentically, honoring the creatives who came before me, and making space for the next generation. It’s about documenting life as it is—the beautiful, the complicated, the mundane—and making it matter.

The episode, which you can watch here, was a moment of pause in the hustle of everyday life. Paulie’s thoughtful approach made me dig deep, and I’m grateful for the chance to share a part of my journey with a wider audience.

If you haven’t tuned into Walkie Talkie, do yourself a favor. Paulie has a way of pulling stories out of people that stay with you long after the conversation ends. His lineup of artists is nothing short of inspiring, and I’m honored to be a part of it.

Take a moment to watch the episode, and let me know what you think. As always, I appreciate your support—it means everything. I’m excited to keep documenting, creating, and sharing the stories that matter most.

A day with Atlanta Photographer Stan Johnson | Walkie Talkie Around the U.S. Ep. 10