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TIM LAYTONWWW.TIMLAYTONFINEART.COM

SPLIT GRADEDARKROOM PRINTINGCHEAT SHEET BY TIM LAYTON

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Thank you for downloading my free Split Grade Darkroom Printing Cheat Sheet.

I have been making split-grade prints in the darkroom for over 35 years. There are two approaches that I think are most useful, and I provide my personal sheet sheet for both methods in this eBook for you.

Depending on your level of darkroom skill and knowledge, you may be interested in my 19-page eBook, Split Grade Darkroom Printing Step-by-Step, where I cover the entire process of creating split-grade prints step-by-step. I also go into a lot of detail on how to evaluate and make adjustments to the tonal values in your prints along with troubleshooting tips. I even cover some bonus information on flashing. I also cover information on metering and film development too. I sell this eBook for $25, but you can use a special discount code to get a 20% discount today. Just use the code “LPS20SGP” at checkout.

I hope that you find this cheat sheet helpful. Be sure to post photos of your new split-grade darkroom prints in our Darkroom Underground Facebook Group where thousands of other photographers from around the world can see your new prints too.

WELCOME & INTRODUCTION

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THE BASIC SPLIT GRADE PRINT

You can create a basic split grade darkroom print by using two exposures and splitting the exposure time between a low contrast filter (#00) and a high contrast filter (#5). This is a good start for a baseline straight print.

I like to approach crafting my fine art prints from a baseline mindset. Meaning that my baseline print is subtle and lower in contrast than my finished print.

As a general strategy, I try and build up contrast to guide my viewer’s attention to the key areas in my prints.

When I think about split grade printing, I forget about contrast in the initial stages because I am focused on printing for my highlights (with a low contrast filter) and blacks (with a high contrast filter) via separate exposures.

The mid-tones for the most part will take care of themselves. Therefore, I aim to produce a high contrast negative with good mid-tone separation as a general approach.

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Step 1 – Make a test print (or section of your print) for the highlights using the low contrast # 00 filter in 3 to 5 second increments. (ignore the blacks)

Step 2 – Make a test print (or a section of your print) for the blacks using the high contrast # 5 filter in 3 to 5 second increments. (ignore the highlights)

Step 3 – Make a full working test print using your selected exposure times for each contrast filter. (this is your baseline print)

Evaluate your baseline print and either stop here or move forward with making filter adjustments as well as dodging and burning to achieve your creative vision as desired. In my step-by-step book, I include a comprehensive series of detailed instructions to help you perform print evaluation, tonal adjustments, troubleshooting, and an advanced technique for flashing.

Often times, your baseline print is very pleasing and you won’t need to modify it beyond maybe selenium toning it for an extra little punch.

Tip – the order of exposures make no difference when making your final print. I always start with my low

METHOD 1 - SPLIT GRADE CONTACT PRINTING

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Step 1 – Make a full test print using the #2 ½ filter using 3 to 5 second increments (choose an exposure time that produced a slightly overall darker print than you would normally want).

Step 2 – Divide the total time of your exposure between a #00 filter and # 5 filter.

Step 3 – Make a full print using your exposure times for each contrast filter and evaluate your baseline print.

Evaluate your baseline print and either stop here or move forward with making filter adjustments as well as dodging and burning to achieve your creative vision as desired. In my step-by-step book, I include a comprehensive series of detailed instructions to help you perform print evaluation, tonal adjustments, troubleshooting, and an advanced technique for flashing.

Tip: Method 2 will work on most negatives except when they are very thin and under exposed. This is a problem in general, but in this case, I suggest using a high contrast filter and single exposure as a way to try and salvage your print.

METHOD 2 - SPLIT GRADE CONTACT PRINTING

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Thank you once again for downloading my free Split Grade Darkroom Printing Cheat Sheet.

Hopefully I have exceeded your expectations with this free cheat sheet.

If you want to go deeper, you can take advantage of my special offer to you for a 20% discount on my step-by-step book.

The step-by-step book is 19 pages that has everything you need to know to learn and master split-grade darkroom printing.

I sell this eBook for $25, but you can use a special discount code to get a 20% discount today. Just use the code “LPS20SGP” at checkout.

You can always connect with me on my website at www.timlaytonfineart.com and you can email me questions, comments, and feedback directly to tim@timlaytonfineart.com.

SUMMARY & CONCLUSION

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SPLIT GRADE DARKROOM PRINTING CHEAT SHEET

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