Creating vignette effect on prints

[tkamiya]

I am wanting to make vignette effect on my prints using darkroom process only. The effect I am looking for is, anywhere from just dark corners to little more severe vignette where the subject is enclosed in much darker area.

I have no idea how I can even begin to do this using traditional process.

If it isn't top secret, double-penalty, patent pending process, would anyone care to share how-to?

 

[PVia]

Use a cardboard circle on a thin piece of florist wire to create the vignette.

After the basic exposure, do another exposure with the circle halfway between the lens and the easel. Experiment with your times and even the grade setting. Usually a full stop will give you a nice effect, but sometimes much more is called for. Keep it moving slightly so the effect isn't so obvious and doesn't leave a line, either from the burned edge or the florist wire.

You can also use a rectangular piece of card and do each straight edge of the print for a certain amount of time (see edge burning). The card is very versatile and can even be bent to form a curve while burning. See Ansel Adams' The Print for a few examples in technique.

There are countless ways to burn. You can even use your hands...!

Have fun...

 

[tkamiya]

That makes sense... I'll try it. Thanks!

 

[Christopher Walrath]

Yup, seconded. Dodge the corners.

 

[tkamiya]

You mean BURN the corners??

 

[removed account4]

open your lens up
and burn in your corners ..

have fun !
john