1. Shooting:
* Film Cameras: Photographers primarily used film cameras. These could range from smaller format cameras using 35mm film to larger format cameras using roll film or sheet film.
* Exposure: Getting the exposure right was crucial. Photographers relied on their experience, light meters (if available and affordable), and the "sunny 16 rule" (a guideline for estimating correct exposures without a meter).
* Variety of Films: Black and white film was the dominant choice due to its lower cost, greater sensitivity (faster speed), and relative ease of development. Color film existed, but it was more expensive, had slower speeds, and the development process was more complex and often required specialized labs.
2. Developing the Film (The Darkroom):
* Darkroom Essential: A completely dark, light-tight room was absolutely necessary. This was often a spare room, a bathroom temporarily converted, or a dedicated darkroom.
* Chemicals: Development involved a series of chemical baths in carefully controlled temperatures and timing. Typical chemicals included:
* Developer: To convert the exposed silver halide crystals in the film emulsion into metallic silver, creating the image.
* Stop Bath: To quickly halt the developer's action. Usually a weak acid solution like acetic acid.
* Fixer (Hypo): To remove the remaining unexposed silver halide crystals, making the image permanent and light-safe.
* Wash: Thorough rinsing in water to remove all traces of the chemicals.
* Wetting Agent (Optional): To reduce water spots during drying.
* Equipment: Basic equipment included:
* Developing Tank and Reels: A light-tight tank for developing roll film. The film was loaded onto reels in complete darkness to keep it separate and allow chemical access.
* Trays: For developing sheet film and later, for printing.
* Thermometer: To monitor the temperature of the chemicals.
* Timer: Accurate timing was critical for each stage.
* Graduates and Measuring Cups: To accurately measure and mix chemicals.
* Film Clips and Clothes Pins: To hang the film to dry.
3. Printing (Still in the Darkroom):
* Enlarger: An enlarger projected the negative image onto photographic paper. The photographer could control the size of the print and crop the image.
* Photographic Paper: Special light-sensitive paper was used to capture the image projected by the enlarger. Different types of paper were available, with varying contrasts and finishes.
* Test Strips: Photographers would make test strips by exposing small portions of the paper at different exposure times to determine the optimal exposure for a good print.
* Dodging and Burning: These techniques allowed selective control of the exposure during printing. Dodging involved blocking light from reaching certain areas of the paper to make them lighter, while burning involved giving specific areas more exposure to darken them.
* Chemical Processing of Prints: Like film, prints also went through a developer, stop bath, fixer, and wash cycle.
* Print Drying: Prints were typically dried on screens, sometimes with the help of a print dryer, to avoid warping or curling.
* Toning (Optional): Toning could alter the color or archival properties of the print. Common toners included selenium toner (which improved archival stability and gave a slightly cooler tone) and sepia toner (which gave a warm, brown tone).
4. Delivery:
* Prints: The photographer would deliver the finished prints to the client.
* Negatives: Whether or not the negatives were given to the client depended on the agreement. Often, the photographer retained the negatives as the copyright holder and for future reprints.
* Timing: The whole process, from shooting to delivering prints, could take several days or even weeks, especially if color prints were involved or if the photographer used a professional lab.
Key Differences Compared to Today:
* Time: The biggest difference was the time involved. Developing and printing were manual, time-consuming processes.
* Skill: Photography required a higher level of technical skill and knowledge of chemistry.
* Cost: Film, chemicals, and equipment were significant expenses.
* Instant Gratification: There was no instant review of the images. You wouldn't know if you "got the shot" until the film was developed.
* Mistakes: Mistakes in exposure, development, or printing were costly and could ruin the entire shoot.
* Darkroom Access: You needed access to a darkroom, which was a significant barrier for many people.
In short, photography in 1946 was a more deliberate, technically demanding, and time-consuming process. It required a strong understanding of the materials and processes involved, and there was far less room for error. The darkroom was the heart of the photographic process, and the photographer was both the artist and the technician.