My Photographic Process – Step 9 – Make Test Strips

Now the real creative process in the darkroom is about to begin!  You have carefully examined your proof sheet to determine if there is a negative(s) worthy of printing, and happily there is.  In determining basic exposure and contrast my approach is to use an entire 8×10 piece of paper rather than a small strip so I can get as much information as possible. I think this very important and definitely not the place to pinch pennies!

I use variable contrast paper but still think in terms of paper grades after many years of using graded paper.  So I start with a grade two “normal” contrast test strip/print (I use a color head but paper manufactures provide the color setting information you need for each grade).  I set my timer for 3 seconds and using a piece of mat board move from right to left, uncovering about an inch of the paper for each exposure.  If the paper is in landscape position in the easel the first exposure on the very right is 3 seconds, and the last exposure on the very left yields a cumulative of 30 seconds.

I then repeat this process and make a grade three strip/print to see what things look like with added contrast. Now into the developer, stop and fix, and finally onto the viewing stand illuminated by a 150W bulb. NOTE: It is essential that you examine print test strip/prints, pilot prints and working/final prints during various steps of the printing process while wet (because of paper drydown) and with the proper illumination … otherwise you will be disappointed later!!!!

I want at least a fifteen second exposure. This will give me enough time to comfortably do whatever dodging manipulations may be necessary to make the final fine print.  And even if the print turns out to be pretty straight forward, what’s the rush? If the print exposure is too short, then close down a stop on your enlarging lens and redo your test strip/prints. So, for example, if you have started using f/8, stop down to f/11 on your lens and repeat.

You are now about to embark on a journey that will end with a fine print!

Stay safe,

Michael

2 thoughts on “My Photographic Process – Step 9 – Make Test Strips

  1. Steve Epstein

    Paul Margolis recommended you and your genre to join.
    My name is Steve Epstein/ shoot with a 5×7 Deardorff and a Hasselblad.

    Home darkroom for silver gelatin and P/P – would love to stay in touch and discuss BNW subjects and L/F.

    Reply
    1. Michael Marks Post author

      Steve,

      Great to hear from you. Sounds like you are interested in joining Monalog. I would love to speak with you and sent you an email. Monalog is a great group and we are growing with wonderful and dedicated Black and White analog photographers!

      Best,

      Michael

      Reply

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