If you want to make progress, you need to make sure that you don't repeat your errors, at least not too often, and that you do repeat your successes. Without a log of everything you did, it is impossible to maximize your progress - I learnt that especially when doing a job in pharmaceutical R&D.

That's why I decided to rely heavily on a set of forms I designed; it has become a set that covers everything from shooting (35mm and sheet) to darkroom work. Everything is written down in a way that I can always refer back to it and filed in a file with tab sheets; the first thing when preparing my darkroom is fetching the file.

I present it here so that others may benefit. All the links to the forms are to PostScript versions; the forms have been designed for the A4 paper format (210x297mm) although the full paper size hasn't been used (my DeskJet can't print on the last inch). If you need another format, please tell me.

Shooting

35mm exposure log

Allows you to enter basic exposure data: camera mode, f-stop, shutter speed, exposure correction, flash, remarks. Space for type of film and start/stop date, plus serial number (every roll I shoot gets a serial number for reference). (PDF version)

Sheet exposure log

Ansel Adams-inspired form that lets you enter full exposure data for up to two sheets: basic exposure, filter factors, bellows extension, zone placement decisions, etcetera. (PDF version)

Darkroom

Chemical usage log

Per container, I have a sheet on which I can note contents, usage, the results of tests, expiry date, etcetera. I use these to keep track especially of stuff like film fixer. (PDF version)

Film development log

Referring to the rolls/sheet by the serial number, this form has a line per roll/sheet(set) that lets you enter EI, developer, time, temperature and comments. (PDF version)

Enlarger calibration log

A form that I use to note the results of maximum black tests so I can always refer back to them. (PDF version)

Teststrip

When making a teststrip, I tape this form on the base board and put a little bit of non-permanent (PostIt) glue on it (Scotch has a stick with the stuff, very handy). You can note exposure data for up to 7 tries on the form, and I always stamp the final test strip (eg. when doing maximum black tests) to the form and file it. If something goes wrong, I can refer back to the test strip and recheck my decision at any time. (PDF version)

Print log

Like every roll/sheet, every print worth keeping gets a serial number in my darkroom. This form lets you write down, for every print, the negative you used, the enlarger settings, exposure time, whether and how much dodging and burning you used, and some comments. With this, people wanting extra prints just need to shout the serial number and I'll have them a copy within minutes. (PDF version)

Note sheets

To complete the set, a form that is basically a notepad. It has a column for an id (again, I use a serial number here) so you can easily refer on a not-so-easy print to note 123 and use the space on this form to write down a more complete specification of the dodging and burning applied to a certain print. (PDF version)