Advanced Black-and-White Film Testing Did you know that the film speed listed on that box of film you just ordered was created in a laboratory using scientific factors and doesn’t relate much at all to the results you get with your own equipment? If you rely on the number on the box, you’ll more than…
Hands-On Selective Masking
Hands-On Selective Masking Selective Masking is essentially a hands-free darkroom dodging and burning technique Alan developed to help him bring out the most nuanced range of tones in an image. It’s especially useful with difficult-to-print negatives or those requiring simultaneous dodging and burning in multiple areas. At its simplest, Selective Masking uses just pencil and…
Finishing and Presentation
Finishing and Presentation How many of you have images you’ve created on film or on pixels that are just sitting as a file on your computer or in a negative sleeve in a binder? You’re not alone, but for an image to truly become a photograph, it needs to be finished. That means at least…
Intro to Variable Contrast Printing
Intro to Variable Contrast Printing Back in the days when Alan worked as Ansel Adams’ assistant, most photographers didn’t seem to care much about variable contrast papers. Few “serious” photographers used them, and graded papers were the clear choice. Camera shelves were overflowing with boxes of Brovira, Ilfobrom and Seagull in as many as six…
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Darkroom Dodging and Burning…Getting the Upper Hand
Darkroom Dodging and Burning…Getting the Upper Hand Darkroom dodging and burning is the one thing that seems universally terrifying to many aspiring photographers. Alan honed his skills and artistry working side-by-side with Ansel Adams…transitioning from anxious to confident master. In this 30-minute virtual workshop, Alan will help you be less fearful and more confident by…
Photography Zoom-Ins
Photography Zoom-Ins If you don’t need formal instruction or help on a specific aspect of photography, but would still enjoy hanging out with others who share your passion, then join Alan on the fourth Sunday of every month (holidays and travel conflicts excluded) for one of his FREE monthly “zoom-ins.” He’ll be available to provide…
Black-and-White Film Testing
Intro to Black-and-White Film Testing Ted Orland, Ansel Adams’ assistant before Alan, made the humorous observation that no two light meters seem to agree. Funny, but truer than you might think, and understanding it is crucial to your photographic results. The reality is that the film speed listed on the box is determined by scientific…
Intro to Digital Masking
Intro to Digital Masking Sometimes an image is just a bear to print in the darkroom, even with a solid exposure and strong composition and tonal values. Maybe it needs dodging and burning in multiple areas simultaneously, but you only have two hands. Maybe, despite all the tricks-of-the-trade by a master in the darkroom, the…