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
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