I'm having a little trouble identifying when my neg is done processing. I understand that according to the procedures I should be looking at the base side for the highlights, when they just start to appear.
Should I also be looking at my shadow areas for some detail? I find myself doing this at times even though I see the highlights already there.
It depends. I inspect by reflected light, some inspect by transmission. I know when my negs are done when the highlights are coming through pretty strongly. If I pulled them "when they just start to appear" they would be too thin for my uses. With TMY and a red safelight, I can see shadow detail as well. With Efke and a red safelight, I can't see shadow detail. This is all with pyrocat hd. Regardless, I always judge the neg's progress by the highlights.