Darkroom Development

I worked in the darkroom after dinner for a few hours. Set the room up before dinner with all the chemicals in the trays. I did not do a test strip. I don't always do one. I did in the beginning, but am thinking that once you become familiar with the settings you use to take the photographic image, then you know pretty much which way to go on the settings you will use for developing in the darkroom. At least that's what I am finding out. I keep a log out in the field when I'm exposing numerous rolls of film at a time (i.e., on a travel trip), but I don't always write down the settings.

I made three prints last night and will try a few more. I like what came out last night, but may try to make the background even more dark for emphasis. However, I don't want it too contrasty. Then I will move on to the negatives I have of the oaks in the area. The iris really isn't as dark as it is shown here - close though. This is the way I'd like it to be.

I just have to say that I love being in the darkroom. It's so scientific and so much fun. I'm thinking I need another clock, however, one with florescent hands and seconds. The one I have is white with black lettering and I can't see it that well in the dark for when I'm overlapping development times (processing two prints at the same time).