Basic Black and White Photography

Lynnwood High SchoolMs. Schou

Controlling Contrasting While Making Prints

Filters -1-1.5DECREASE contrastFilter 2 is built into you paperFilters 2.5-5 INCREASE contrast

Tips

Contrast filter goes between the lens and your paperMake a new test strip after changing filters as there will be new printing timesMake small contrast adjustments Handle filters by the edgesDo not allow filters to get wetRemember to leave a nice gray scale in image

Original Image

Lowering Contrast

Used if there are not enough grays in the print and too much black or white

Decreases the appearance of deep blacks and bright whites while increasing the gray scale

Insert filters -1-1 ½ between the light source and the print

A new test strip will have to be made in order to correct exposure time

New Image with #0 filter

This print was made with a #0 filter

Before and After

Notice the increase in gray areas and less extreme black and white

Creating More Contrast

Used when print is too gray or there are no true blacks or whites

Will increase the difference between the shades of gray

Use filters 2 ½ - 5 Insert filter between light source and

print

Increased Contrast

This print was made using a #4 filter

Before and After

Notice the decrease of gray and increase of stronger blacks and whites

Burning and Dodging

Burning in is used to selectively add light exposure to certain areas that are too light on the print

Dodging is used by blocking light from hitting certain sections of the print that are too dark

Different tools can be used from cardboard to your hands

Constantly move the tools you use to burn and dodge so that no harsh edge is visible in the final print

Burning In

More exposure was given to the lighter bricks on the wall and in the foreground

Before and After

Notice the added detail in the bricks in the foreground as well as in the bricks on the wall

Dodging

Light was not allowed to expose the left ¼ of the image as long was the rest of the print

Before and After

Notice the lighter left wall