Fall Speaker Meeting: Dr. Scott Williams (RIT)

Developing Memories: Caffenol, Film and the Resurgence of Analog Photography

In an age of instant gratification and digital convenience, the deliberate process of developing photographic film and paper with chemicals, the so-called “analog process”, offers a unique and rewarding experience. This presentation explores the chemistry behind the joy of hand processing with caffenol, a homemade film developer crafted from readily available coffee grounds, sodium carbonate, and ascorbic acid. We'll delve into the science behind caffenol's unique properties, including its role as a reducing agent in the photographic process. Imagine the satisfaction of witnessing an image emerge from a darkroom, one step at a time, as the developer works its magic to convert exposed silver halide crystals into metallic silver. Join us as we celebrate the enduring appeal of analog photography and the transformative power of hands-on creation.  Did you know that the “old-time” analog image capture on film is…