Todd Korol is back with another YouTube video, and in this one, he is following up with ultra-large-format photographer Allan King for an in-depth darkroom tour! Previously, Todd interviewed Allen King about his lifelong passion for capturing the Canadian Rockies through ultra-large-format black-and-white photography. This prompted many viewers to ask for a darkroom tour, especially of King’s enlarger. Of course, Todd called Allen and, oh boy, did the stars align because Allen was preparing to make a massive print from an 8×20" negative!
Allen King’s darkroom is not a typical setup; it is designed for truly enormous negatives and prints, far beyond standard 35mm or even 4×5 formats. Because of this, Allen has a unique workflow, massive custom enlargers, and meticulous processes for platinum printing and developing huge negatives like 8×20" and 12×20". His use of pyro developer, his specialized equipment, and the craft behind producing giant silver-gelatin prints with rich tonal range and a strong “sense of presence." A true craftsmanship unlike any other, it's inspiring to get a glimpse into such a rare and masterful process.
