Taking the Photos

• 1). Search for images of senior photographs. Use these for inspiration and ideas for how you would like your own to look.
  
  
• 2). Set up the scene where you want to take your photos. Consider the lighting for the photograph, making sure it flatters you best.
  
  
• 3). Decide what emotions you want to exhibit in the photo. Pose in a way that expresses these feelings.
  
  
• 4). Position the camera in the place you want it and set the timer, or ask a friend to take the photos for you. The advantage of asking a friend is that he will be able to advise you on changing poses.
  
  

Developing the Film

• 1). Take apart the developing tank and wash all the elements in hot water. Reinsert the center column and ensure that the reel is set up for 35 mm film.
  
  
• 2). Use a pitch-black room, such as a windowless bathroom or closet, to develop the film. Seal off any areas where light can enter, for example, around the doorway.
  
  
• 3). Open the film canister using the bottle opener, as if the underside were a bottle cap. Withdraw the film from the canister, grasping it by the edges, and cut off the leader portion from the beginning of the roll.
  
  
• 4). Insert the first few inches of the film into the marked beginning of the reel. Turn the reel in both directions to allow the remaining film to feed inside. Cut the film when you reach the end, where it is still attached to the spindle.
  
  
• 5). Place the reel in the tank, above the center column, and tighten the lid. Turn the lights on and fill the tank with water. Leave the film to soak for a minute and then empty the tank.
  
  
• 6). Check the amount of developer you need and how long this stage should last, according to your type of film and developer. Consult a chart online if this information isn't included with the developer. Fill the tank with the developer and water solution and start the timer. Agitate the tank every minute for 10 seconds.
  
  
• 7). Empty the tank of the developer and fill with water. Shake the tank slightly and drain away the water. Repeat this two more times.
  
  
• 8). Ascertain the dilution needed for your type of fixer. Fill the tank with the solution and shake every minute for ten seconds. The time needed for fixer can range from 5 to 10 minutes. Remove the cap from the top of the cap to check the film. If it is very purple, you need to fix it for longer.
  
  
• 9). Fill the tank halfway with water and shake strongly for about 30 seconds. Empty the tank and repeat the process for 10 minutes to ensure the film is free from fixer.
  
  
• 10
  
  Place a small amount of wetting agent in the tank and top off with water to submerge the reel. Tap any bubbles that form off the the film surface. Let the solution sit for 30 seconds before pouring it out of the tank and removing the reel.
  
  
• 11
  
  Separate the reel and pull out the film, holding it where there are no exposures. Do not allow it to touch the floor, surfaces or any other objects. Hang the film using the film clips, with the weighted clip on the bottom end. Leave until the film is completely dry and hard, which will take about four to eight hours. Once dry, the film is ready to print.