Darkroom techniques refer to the processes used in photography to develop and print images from film. This involves using a controlled environment, typically a dark room, where light-sensitive materials can be handled without exposure to light. Key steps include developing the film in chemical solutions, stopping the development process, and fixing the image to make it permanent. Once the film is developed, photographers can create prints using enlargers and photographic paper. Techniques such as dodging and burning allow for adjustments in exposure, enhancing specific areas of the image. These methods are essential for achieving desired artistic effects in traditional film photography, often associated with Ansel Adams and Henri Cartier-Bresson.