What is stand development?

Stand development is the art and science of extending the tonal range of a film image, using a combination of film type, developer type, chemical additives, and processing time.

To “stand” is literally to let film stand or sit in a developer. By mastering this technique, you will develop the highlights of your film (the densest part of the negative), while extending the development of subtle shadow detail.

Some films, and some developers, are better than others in achieving the goals of stand development. Axel’s book, “Iridescent Light – The Art of Stand Development”, is the first comprehensive book to detail methods and techniques to get started with stand development.

This site is dedicated to those who want to get started with stand development, share information, and pursue excellence in using the process.

Please let me know if I can help with any problems you are having. My schedule is busy, so be patient for a response. And thanks for checking back regularly!

Axel and Calvin photographing with a 4x5 camera near the Columbia Gorge, Oregon.

Stand Development Magazine is edited by Michael Axel and his photo assistant, Calvin.

Axel has been photographing for over 40 years, starting with a Kodak Instamatic, and soon adopting his father’s Zeiss Ikon Contessa—still in use today. Axel shoots commercial projects, including fashion, product, and architectural work, using a Hasselblad digital H system. For his personal fine art photography, he prefers using film, and uses many cameras, but enjoys classic 35mm cameras, including a host of range finders, and 60, 70, and 80′s SLR cameras. His most used system is the Hasselblad V, where he prefers EL/M type cameras, and also a host of 4×5 cameras, including Sinar X, Crown Graphic, and Toyo View F.

Axel is the author of Iridescent Light – The art of Stand Development, the first and only book dedicated to all aspects of making film images with this technique.