Second to last Class

A note on enlarging.

When making enlargements, ALWAYS USE TEST STRIPS. The exposure time from a contact print to a 6"x9" print will increase by a few seconds. This is due to the distance the image/ light is away from the light sensitive surface of the paper. As you increase your enlargement size, your time will increase as well. DO NOT TRY AND GUESS. It will save you time, money and frustration, to just make the test strip. So when you finally get to the fun part of making a big print, it will look good which will be far more exciting.

Dust and Scratches

If you notice white spots or lines on your final print, these are due to dust and hairs on your negative, enlarging lens or glass(if you are making a contact). Use the blower + brush to make sure you have removed all the dust off the negative and make another print. An anti static cloth or canned air will work as well. 

If you notice black spots or lines on your final print, these are due to dust, hairs, scratches on the negative.

Spot Toning

"Spotting" is the practice of selectively toning your final print in the places where white dust and hairs have been printed. This can be done with spot toning ink or with the spot pen set. Both work well, and is up to preference. Begin spotting by starting with the lightest tone of grey and making tiny dots of pigment in the areas that should not be white. Gradually build up in tone adding darker layers until the dust or scratch is completely masked. 

In the event of a black scratch or bit of dust you can take a new razor blade and spot scratch out the black to reveal the paper below only and then proceed with spotting.