Air bells are bubbles of air that cling to the surface of photographic film or paper emulsion during chemical processing. These trapped air pockets can prevent the developer, stop bath, or fixer from fully contacting the emulsion, potentially causing uneven development, streaks, or blank spots in the final image. Photographers and darkroom technicians often gently agitate the processing solution or use techniques to release air bells, ensuring consistent chemical coverage and high-quality results. Understanding and managing air bells is important for producing sharp, evenly developed negatives and prints.