What is Dodging and Burning?
Dodging and burning are darkroom techniques used to make adjustments to different areas of our prints, either lightening or darkening depending on the needs.
After we have found a general exposure time for a print, we can move on to refine a specific part of the frame. Upon inspection, very often, you will find that a few localized areas in your print could be improved with changes in density, either darkening or lightening. You can lighten by dodging, or darken by burning, in selected areas of a print. This will give a more balanced look to your image.
What you will need are simple masking tools. To dodge, use a wire with a piece of black cardboard attached. Simple round or square shapes should be sufficient, but if needed, cut it into a more unusual shape. Have a variety of cardboard pieces of different shapes at your disposal. You can also use your hand to block the light in a designated area.
For burning, a larger piece of cardboard is usually best to use, as you allow light through a hole to work a defined area of the image. This cardboard can be white on one side, and black on the side facing the print to avoid any reflections. The large surface will protect the light from hitting the edges of the photo, while on the clear side, you will be able to see the image and work on the desired area.
The masking tools should never be too close to the print as they can mark a strong outline on the image. Always keep the tools moving and maintain some distance from the print.
Keep your test strip nearby to calculate the correct exposure time for dodging and burning. By looking at the different times on your strip you can decide how much to work on each area.
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How to make a darkroom at home?
When setting up a darkroom, it is crucial to find an adequate space and purchase a good enlarger. Every other tool can be easily found online.
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What is a test strip?
A test strip is a piece of paper with which the correct exposure time for an image can be determined by dividing it into sections of different exposures.
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What is a contact sheet?
A contact sheet is a printed photographic paper that includes on a single page all the photos taken on the roll.
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What does “pre-flashing” mean?
Pre-flashing is done to the whole paper to accelerate the density, without compromising the white. It is used when there is a negative with dense highlights.
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What is split grade printing?
Split grade printing refers to the use of more than one filter when printing your photos in a darkroom, in order to properly expose the highlights and shadow areas.
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How and where to find a darkroom to use if you don’t have space at home?
In many cities you will be able to find darkrooms that you can use. These spaces are often part of a university, college or photography center.
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What are the different types of photographic paper?
Photographic paper is coated with a light sensitive solution to make it possible to create a darkroom print. Different papers are distinguished by categories such as fixed grade, variable contrast, resin coated, and fiber base.
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How to make a darkroom print
Work in a fully equipped darkroom. Select a negative, put it in an enlarger and focus the frame. Then expose the image for the correct time on the photographic paper. Finally develop, stop, fix, wash and dry.
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What is an enlarger?
An enlarger is a light projector used to make a print of an image that is larger than the original negative or transparency.