dark-room
Definition
- Noun:
- A darkroom (also written as "dark room") is a room that is completely or nearly completely dark, or is lit by a special safelight, used in photography for developing film and printing photographs. The darkness prevents light-sensitive materials from being exposed prematurely.
Usage Examples
- (A workspace for processing photographic film.)
- (A dedicated space for printing photos.)
Advanced Usage
"digital darkroom": A term used metaphorically for a computer workstation used for editing digital photographs, mimicking the functions of a traditional darkroom.
- He uses a powerful computer as his digital darkroom for retouching images. (A digital setup for photo editing.)
"to work in the darkroom": To perform the tasks of developing and printing photographic materials.
- She works in the darkroom every weekend to produce her prints. (Engages in photographic processing.)
Variants and Related Words
Darkroom (n): The standard closed compound form. Sometimes written as two words: "dark room" (though this can also simply mean a room without light).
- The darkroom must be light-tight to prevent film fogging. (A room with controlled lighting for photography.)
Darkroom technician (n): A person who specializes in developing and printing photographs in a darkroom.
- The darkroom technician carefully adjusted the exposure time. (A professional in photographic processing.)
Synonyms
- Developing room: A room used specifically for developing photographic film.
- Processing lab: A laboratory where photographic materials are developed and printed.
Related Idioms
"Darkroom magic": A phrase referring to the skill and artistry involved in developing and printing photographs in a darkroom.
- The final print looked like darkroom magic, with perfect contrast. (The impressive results of skilled processing.)
"Out of the darkroom": Used to describe a photograph that has been processed and is ready to be seen.
- The prints came out of the darkroom looking stunning. (Finished photographic prints.)