Dilution is the process of reducing the strength or concentration of a liquid by adding a measured amount of water or another suitable solvent. In photography, dilution is commonly applied to chemicals such as developers, stop baths, and fixers to achieve the desired working strength for processing film or paper.
Proper dilution is important for controlling the activity of photographic chemicals, ensuring consistent results, and avoiding over- or under-development. Understanding and following the correct dilution ratios helps photographers maintain image quality and prolong the life of their chemical solutions.