U of S | Mailing List Archive | alt-photo-process-l | Re: Users of digital negatives

Re: Users of digital negatives



Catharine,

I began working with digital negatives some 5-6 years ago. Prior to that I had printed most of my LF and ULF negatives by direct contact printing, though I also made some enlarged negatives by wet processing.

Most of my work is with carbon, a rather time intense process. Just to make one or two test prints will take 2-3 hours and nailing the contrast and exposure for any given negative could easily take 2-3 evenings of work. Working with digital negatives has allowed me to be much more productive in that only one calibration is good for most images and sizes. Working with digital negatives has also allowed me to make most images in a few standard sizes, which simplifies matting and framing. Also, since all of the tonal controls and other corrections can be made on screen dodging and burning, which can be quite tedious with alternative printing, is avoided.

There is no question in my mind but that the use of digital negatives has improved the quality of my work and increased my productivity as well.

Sandy King






At 10:45 AM +1000 4/23/07, Catherine Rogers wrote:
Hi All

Thanks so much to all who have replied to my request for
photographers and printers who use digital negatives. I have had a number of
responses - all of which are most interesting and very helpful. The variety
of approaches to making images in these responses means that I have been
able to better refine my own thoughts - which is a terrific bonus - and part
of the process for me too I guess.

Briefly, the project again:
I am curious about the extent to which artists, photographers and those who
print work for other
photographers, are using digital negatives and inkjet printers to make fine
photographs. I am hoping that some photographers and printmakers in the
alternative
processes arena might be willing to give a view (no matter how brief because
we are all so busy!) on how the combination of digital negatives and inkjet
printers has enhanced, expanded or changed their artistic practice and
craft - commercially and/or professionally - compared to working in the
darkroom making silver based, chemical generated, enlargements.

I am wondering what other possibilities an inkjet printer combined with
digital
negatives offers the individual artist and printmaker - both conceptually
and practically - and  if digital
technologies have changed what you do, and how you think about what you do.

If any more of you have a moment to comment briefly from your own experience
or you have
any other thoughts on the subject of hybrid photography, I would most
greatful.

Once again, thanks to all who have so kindly responded. (I will reply
off-list to all who have contacted me off-list.)

cheers and happy printing
Catherine