Setting up a digital darkroom

Readers who got into photography back when film was king and processing had to be carried out in the dark (or under a very dim safelight) will probably agree that the best thing about digital photography is that it can be done in normal light. But even digital natives can use a little help when putting together the hardware and software needed for printing their images at home these days.

In this feature we outline the tools you’ll need to build a digital darkroom from scratch or simply augment your current workspace. We look at factors to consider when buying new equipment and provide some approximate costs for investing in equipment and running hardware as well as tips on keeping hardware performance up to scratch.

Your work space

While there’s no need to work in total darkness, subdued