Burning & loss of highlights

PVia · Sep 5, 2008

Hi all...

I've been burning in edges and vignettes on a new series, and have noticed that afterwards that the highlights in the center of my image are dulled down. I'm holding my card (white side up, black side down) probably mid-to-3/4 of the distance to the paper (closer to the lens) and this is the only thing it can be (safelight is fine)...

I'm going to try holding the card closer to the paper next time to see if it makes a difference. I think scattered light is striking the paper.

Has anyone experienced this?

ic-racer · Sep 5, 2008

"White side up" !

Try a black-black card. The light may be bouncing off the card up to your lensboard, enlarger or ceiling and back to the print. Shielding the print with the card, as you suggested will also probably help.

Nicholas Lindan · Sep 5, 2008

I would try painting the upper side of your burning card orange. That way you can see where the card is and
also keep stray light down.

Red plastic sheet also makes for good dodgers and burners because you can see through it.

pentaxuser · Sep 5, 2008

Nicholas Lindan said:
I would try painting the upper side of your burning card orange. That way you can see where the card is and
also keep stray light down.

Yes One of the benefits of using Afga paper was the red/orange box covers when the box was empty.

pentaxuser

Gary Holliday · Sep 5, 2008

Maybe your card is too thin and light is passing through!

George Collier · Sep 5, 2008

FWIW - I keep mine a good distance from the paper, to make sure there is no reflection from the paper up and back down again, even with a black card. Black on top is better also.

J Ollinger · Sep 5, 2008

Something else to do: make up a small batch of Farmer's Reducer, and dab it on your highlights with a slim paint brush. Have water standing by to wash it and stop the reduction. That was an old trick for whitening eyes and teeth in portraits, but you can do it anywhere.

Claire Senft · Sep 5, 2008

Are you sure that you are not seeing print dry down. I am referring to the difference between the appearance of the highlights when they are wet and when the print is dry.

The a viewers reaction to the highlights can also be influenced to a surprising degree by the brightness of the viewing light in the darkroom vs the level of light used for displaying the prints.

It is also possible that there is fogging from safelight and other sources. The effect unpon the highligts will be most noticeable.

Having a very low level of illumination in the darkroom is helpful. Having wall treatment such as dark or black paint around the printing station is also helpful.

Burning & loss of highlights

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