Intro to Variable Contrast Printing

Back in the days when Alan worked as Ansel Adams’ assistant, most photographers didn’t seem to care much about variable contrast papers. Few “serious” photographers used them, and graded papers were the clear choice. Camera shelves were overflowing with boxes of Brovira, Ilfobrom and Seagull in as many as six different grades. Today, that array of packaging, sizes, brands and surfaces are still there, but all the grades (and more) fit into one box instead of many.

In this workshop, you’ll explore the “how tos” and benefits of variable contrast papers in darkroom printing. Among the things you’ll learn:

  • How variable contrast papers work
  • How to adjust contrast
  • Working with more than one contrast on the same sheet of paper
  • Dodging and burning in different contrasts
  • Changing contrast without making new test strips

This could be one hour that changes how you approach your darkroom printing, giving you better tonal range with more control and less fuss.

Limited to 5 participants. $50 per person. Sixty minutes.

Current schedule: Sunday, August 1st, 10 – 11 am, MDT.

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