The goal during printing is usually to make a full-scale Black and White Print that has a full range of Tones and a realistic sense of texture and substance. You may deliberately depart from this goal at times. A test Print are judged for two characteristics: Density and Contrast.
Density refers to the overall darkness or lightness of the print. It is controlled primarily by the amount of Exposure, the greater the Density of Silver produced, the darker the Print. Exposure can be adjusted either by opening or closing the enlarger lens aperture or by changing the lenght of the Exposure time.
Contrast is the difference in brightness between light and dark areas within the print. A full scale Print of normal Contrast and Density has a wide range of Tones: rich blacks, many shades of gray, brilliant whites. A low-contrast or flat Black and White Print seems gray and weak with no real blacks or brilliant whites. A high-contrast Black and White Print seems harsh. Large shadows areas seem too dark and may print as solid black; highlights seem too light and may be completely white. Texture and details are missing in shadows, highlights or both. The contrast of a Black and White Photo is mainly controlled by the grade of paper used.
I use multi grade,matte enlarging paper. It gives me good contrast and fair density in the shoulder area. I Expose my prints in the middle gray area of the Zone scale. It allows me to Hand Tint all areas of my Print if I choose. I use the rules of third in my composition and balance. I then use my " 2 Zone Technique to apply my colors to the final Black and White Photo. It gives my Photo Art a three dimensional effect. I always add colors to my shadow areas to enhance texture and details unseen to the naked eye. I enjoy adding colors where there is a lack to enhance my balance and composition. This give my Black and White Photo Art that Special touch.
I am the only Photo Artist in the world that use the above mention techniques. My Photo Art is unique because of this Technique which I developed myself. Don't miss out on a chance to own tomorows Piccasso. They are the best investment in todays Art world. Its still affordable, as time goes on those who own Black and White Photo Art will see their investment appreciate like no other type of Art. The main reason is, most Photos are taken with a digital camera and won't be around long enough to appraise, they will fade away in due time. My Photo Art matures and the Colors become more intense as they age gracefully. They are like a like fine vintage bottle of wine. If you have the chance to buy a Black and White Print do so. there are not many left on the market. I recommend going to flea markets or garage sell to look for these forgotten treasures of the past.