tree root and rock wall

I would not be too embarrased to show others your work. The fact that you are out there and doing it and having fun is the main thing. From a critique aspect, the composition of this shot is good, and it shows a nice range of tones. How do you like the Kentmere VC paper?

Thanks for the encouragement. The paper is so far kind of hit or miss for me--it seems that I have been getting a better range of tones with the low-contrast end of it than the high. When I try to print high-contrast, I just get muddy yucky shadows without a good black, but it may be that I am just choosing the wrong grade for the negative (this is my first darkroom work in 20 years). This print was at 1.5.

Have you tried split grade printing with it?

That may liberate a darker black for you?