I have been doing a lot of split grade printing recently with some degree of success. I use 'The Variable Contrast Printing Manual' by Steve Anchell (Focal Press ISBN 0-240-80259-4) and find it a very valuable rescourse. However, I am having great difficulty in printing a set of portraits of an African and European model posed together with high key studio lighting. These images are intended to be used as part of a panel to be submitted for consideration for a Licenciatship award from my national photographic federation. Any advice would be appreciated.

-- Peter O'Sullivan (bigwednesday2@hotmail.com), October 27, 2000

Answers

I assume that "African and European model" means dark and light skinned women. Obviously, it is only correct that one be darker than the other. That in mind, I'd find the right filter for each subject individually, then hold back one as I printed the other, after which I'd burn in the second subject with the second filter. But this approach seems obvious enough that you've probably tried it already. Making a seamless burn is always a trick for me, so it is not all that easy a solution. Keep trying, and let us know if you come up with a clever technique.

-- Keith Nichols (knichols@iopener.net), October 28, 2000.

Peter, I've never done it, so don't have an answer - just a thought. Might fogging the paper and then split filtering work?

chris

-- Christian Harkness (chris.harkness@eudoramail.com), October 28, 2000.