Print
developers add another layer of creativity to the analogue
experience. Most of us start out using the manufactures suggested
developers and do not move on from this but there is life beyond this
with a whole range of cool and warm tone developers to enthrall the
eye. You don't have to use these developers with the respective
papers but they do add warmth to a cool paper and vices versa.
Please
don't get me wrong! I started my printing journey with Ilfords
Multigrade developer, it still has a well earned place on my print
developer shelf. It sits along side a number of other manufacturers
toning developers. You need not stop here, for there is a range of
powdered developers to consider as well. The choice can be mind
boggling so it is a case of picking one that catches your eye and
giving it a try.
I
did this with Moersch 6 blue and it has become a favorite. It has
been used with warm, natural and cool tone papers. It produces rich
blacks and the highlights have a hint of blueness to them. That's the
thing with toning developers they are subtle in their colour. It
opens up another way of communicating with the viewer. The thing with
these types of developer is the more tone you want the longer the
development time and the weaker the mix needs to be. The type of
paper being used also influences what sort of tone is produced.
Technical data:
All the pictures here were made with medium format film, FP4+ and Foma 100 from a 6x6 negative printed on Silverproof matt paper.
All the pictures here were made with medium format film, FP4+ and Foma 100 from a 6x6 negative printed on Silverproof matt paper.