Are inkjet prints better than darkroom prints (Shocking Results)

As photography is my hobby, and computer work is my day job, working on the computer to produce photos is a non-starter. I just love the dark room process.

I work in IT, so the last thing I want to do on my time off is spend more time in front the computer/tablet/phone/ect. Honestly, I doubt most people/photographers print out their work these days. Mostly it's just scans posted on IG, FB or X for clicks. I do it also...but the photos I do post I will try and print in the analog darkroom. Those prints that I'm making through the traditional darkroom process are special to me. I don't get that feeling printing that photo out on a printer. That's more like, "Wow, look what digital technology can do" but I don't feel attached to that work at all. That process will be even more watered down once AI takes full control. I will continue to stick with the analog printing as long as possible. I also will begin to experiment with Ambrotypes near future.

I find darkroom printing quicker and more convenient because like you I can't tolerate sitting in front of a computer screen, I need to be on my feet and moving around. As I would in a workshop. Being more comfortable in the darkroom environment makes me feel good within myself and I get better results. Loads more satisfaction when you nail that beautiful silver gelatine print. I sell prints as fine art and find it far more difficult to sell inkjet prints. Customers nearly always ask if they are darkroom prints. I think customers don't value inkjet prints because they have their own printer at home, so to them it's somewhat ubiquitous.

You pretty well summed up my reasons for sticking with darkroom printing. I've been doing darkroom printing since the mid 70s and I find the ambiance of a darkroom is much more enjoyable and relaxing than the frustration, for myself anyhow, of working with a computer.

90% of my efforts are digital and maybe 10% film. The irony, your film and darkroom information is a direct benefit to my digital hobby. Unlike many of your peers you have the ability to describe/compare/explain without being condescending or biased. You present information and let people decide for themselves. Thanks. You said you started in the 80s and 90s. Do you remember the old drive through Fotomat booths? Regardless of what techniques or film was used, the results were always the same - bland or lackluster (color or B&W).

In my teens and early twenties I did a lot of darkroom prints and developing my own b/w films. You know, that way I learned so many things about working with light and how to photograph to make a good final result in the darkroom that I was realy proud of. Now I am in my sixties and realise that the lessons I learned about photography in the analogue darkroom era are still of great value to me. I think I can still make good photo's with my digital equipment but I never have that proud feeling anymore over the results as I had in these earlier darkroom days.... Thank you for sharing your thoughts in this video.

I once had a session in the darkroom where I was so thrilled with the results that I started to cry. They were genuine tears of joy. The right tool is the one that strikes a chord with you as an artist. I'm glad we have both to choose from.

When I was learning photography, film development and darkroom printing were the only option. So I learned how to do these things with an acceptable (to me) level of proficiency. But once digital reached a level to rival film, I made the switch. While I would love to go back to film I don't have the space for a darkroom, I'm not fold of the chemicals, and the process isn't as enjoyable at it once was. Nevertheless, I dabble with film now having it developed and scanned the results are good enough. Thanks you for your videos. They are very much appreciated.

I do like to do both darkroom and inkjet prints. Although mainly use inkjet prints for color (I just started getting into RA-4 printing). I like the Moab Lasal Photo Matte 235 and Lasal Dual Semigloss 330 when making most photo prints -- for B&W (or desaturated color) inkjet prints, the Moab Juniper Baryata Rag 305 is nice. I agree with others in that I work on my computer all day long, so getting away into the darkroom is way more fun than selecting ICC profiles and fighting with printer drivers & color profiles in Photoshop. But when I just want to get something done and I've run out of time, it gets printed on the inkjet. Also if you don't use your inkjet printer all the time, you need to leave it powered on so that the ink doesn't dry in the heads and ruin it. But this also wastes a ton of ink in purge cycles.

Definitely would like to see more dark room printing. As for digital or film. It’s film for me. I feel like I’ve made the print. It’s just got more value. I love to see craftsmen ship. You know someone’s put time and a lot of effort in to it. And thanks for all the great videos.

Started darkroom printing in my bathroom. Made a bench that sits on top of my washing machine en extends out into the shower. Barely any space to stand up but it got me hooked. Now I joined a photo club with an unused dark room with even an 4x5 enlarger.

Absolutely agree on how the ink-jet printing went from consumer powerpoint printing to “oh my God that looks stunning” I do believe the question is similar to film vs digital. Everyone will find something they appreciate in every type of process The main point though is to try both options and that’s the first step. The first professionally done print with nice paper showing you what can be achieved may transform a simple hobby to something way more engaging

You have expressed 100% of my observations. This has been my way of working since 2008. And the “overprocess” is the biggest problem.

I would enjoy more videos from you on B&W printing, digital, and darkroom. Thank you, Matthew; I appreciate your channel.

Thanks Mathew for being brave enough to dive into a subject that can be controversial. Great nuanced views on both inkjet printing and darkroom printing. I've had a darkroom for over 40 years and have worked in the darkroom just as long. I've been involved in working with computers and inkjet printing. Both mediums have a learning curve. However, the skills and equipment for digital printing has a shorter shelf life. My darkroom skills have gotten better over time. I have to agree that sometimes I can't tell if a BW print is inkjet or if it's silver gelatin print. With digital printing, I think the reason the image on the computer screen looks different event with properly calibrated systems is the image on the computer screen is transmitted light which always looks better while an image on a digital print is reflected light. I do love silver gelatin prints and printing in the darkroom, but I think it's important to get your images printed. It's something physical versus a bunch of glowing pixels on the screen. Cheers!

I think you made a very fair and thoughtful analysis. It was nice to see.

I am a dedicated darkroom printer. It's easy to be mediocre printer, but hard work to be a master. After many years, I've found there is always something to learn, and to enhance my style. I work on a computer all day long and at the end of the day, the wet process is a welcome relief. I like the idea of being able to retreat to my personal darkroom space a the end of the day. Not so, if you're working on a computer.

Good discussion. I finally got around to having a fiber paper darkroom print dry-mounted. Now it's nice and flat, really improves the overall appearance!

I went to a Santa Fe Workshops platinum palladium printing class. Twice actually. The second time was just for fun. We made digital negatives, on a printer that had an all black inkset (mine died and I haven't found an inkjet printer that I like). Cone Editions makes the inks. Some of the negatives that I made were from scans of 4x5 film negatives. The negative is not the same as a film negative but it's hard to tell the difference.

Yes, everyone says to add sharpening but I have found that sharpening is never needed. I have compared digital to darkroom in every way I can and feel confident to say no sharpening is the only way to get natural prints that look like film prints. I have found this rule to be true with Phase One, Leica, Sony and Fujifilm. I have not tried with other cameras.