Dodging and burning in the darkroom + contrast filters + making a test strip
After trying to find information on dodging and burning, I realised how scarce it was. If you are interested in dark room photography, this video will give you a useful step by step guide on how to make a print. The topics covered are:
1. Assessing your negative
2. Making a test strip
3. Selecting a contrast filter
4. Burning and Dodging
A typical example of dodging would be to dodge a subjects face or area of the print which is otherwise too dark if printed at the desired exposure of the background. Above is a video demonstration about of how I would typically dodge. There are no rules when dodging and the skill is developed over time. I use a piece of black tape, my hands, or a piece of card as my dodging tool. You can use any object you want as long as you remember that the higher to the lens you dodge, the more diffused your dodging will be.
On the Left you can see the dodged print at grade 4. On the right is the print that has received no dodging at grade 3. Notice how in the dodged print the subject seems more three-dimensional and separated from the back ground.
