 |
| low contrast |
 |
| High contrast |
 |
| correct contrast |
Now that
you have your test strip what are you looking for? You are looking to see which of the
timed sections gives you blacks that are really black without making the whites
look grey, with a good separation of the greys in-between. If the picture looks
grey overall with no defined blacks then the paper grade is too soft, meaning
lack of contrast. On the other hand if the blacks dominate the picture then the
grade of paper is to hard - too much contrast! If you need to change the grade
of paper you will need to make another test strip. It should be noted that test
strip evaluation is best carried out when they are dry as wet ones tend to hold
back some of the more subtle grey tones which may encourage you to pull or push
the expose time needed. While checking this you should also be ensuring that
the focus is accurate.
When your
test strip is pin sharp with good clear highlights, defined shadows and the
right amount of contrast, you are ready to make a print.
I do find
the photography press a pain
when it comes to describing the difference between digital and traditionally
produced black and white pictures! They can no longer call a photograph a
photograph, it has to be a silver print or gelatin print, why? I think they
need to get over themselves as the English language describes both types quite
well without having to preface the word print. A photograph is a picture
produced using light and chemicals. A print is a picture produced using ink.
What could be simpler.
