My introduction to the world of photography began in 1987. My curiosity about the contents of a large box stored in the attic of my home led me to discover an enlarger, three colored trays, a film development tank, measuring containers, glass bottles, and a red lamp—the essential equipment for a darkroom.

Over time, a basement room was transformed and equipped to serve as a photo processing lab. Experimenting with various development and printing techniques, combining chemicals, films, and papers to achieve a more personal aesthetic in the final result, I often spent entire days in the darkroom. It wasn’t long before I found ways to use it for financial gain as well.

The darkroom had become an integral part of my life. Before I realized it, the joy of creation had given way to routine and speed, turning an exciting adventure into monotony.

In 1998, my need to break free coincided with the purchase of a digital camera with 1.5 megapixels (Leica Digilux 1.5). Initially, I treated it more like a toy than a creative tool, using it to pass the time during printing breaks.

The immediacy of photographic results, combined with ease of use and the ability to edit images before the final outcome, was impressive. The objects I photographed began to take on new dimensions, entering the realm of the imaginary.

A new photographic world emerged on the screen of the digital camera. “Sometimes, the most beautiful things appear when you least expect them.”

By 1999, the decision came naturally: I would first photograph my darkroom equipment and then sell it. Before selling it, I wanted to keep a memento of it. Using the digital camera, I systematically photographed the darkroom objects, using the enlarger’s light (cold light) as the sole light source. After photographing, I recorded the sounds the objects produced during use, employing a minidisc and microphone.