Re: What is solarization?

[William Marsh <redcloud54@earthlink.net>]

Sandy,

It is my understanding that what you are seeing is called "bronzing,"
based on what Kerik and Carl have told me about flaws in my own prints. 
After a certain exposure level has been exceeded, the overspread turns
lighter and warmer.

Bill

Sandy King wrote:
> 
> I changed the format of my previous message to clarify who said what.
> 
> Judy Seigel wrote:
> 
> >
> >
> >What is the tipping point -- from "difference" to "gross reversal"? And
> >if it isn't "solarization", what is it?
> >
> >For what it's worth, Cassell's defines "solarisation" as, "A term with
> >many photographic meanings. It is synonymous with reversal (which see),
> >and it is also applied to halation and bronzing."
> >
> >for Reversal: "REVERSAL OR SOLARISATION -- A phenomenon occurring as the
> >result of extreme over-exposure, a positive instead of a negative image
> >being produced on development. Abney has stated that preliminary exposure
> >to diffused daylight, the use of a powerful developer, and the treatment
> >of the plate with a solution of an oxidising agent before exposure,
> >facilitate reversal; and, in his opinion it can only be produced when
> >there is atmospheric oxidation. The addition of thiocarbamide to a
> >well-restrained developer will produce reversal, especially if
> >hydroquinone or eikonogen is used."
> 
> Then Sandy King said:
> 
> I understand the term solarization as Cassell defines it, as a
> reversal that occurs from extreme over-exposure. For example, if you
> take a picture on a sunny day that includes the sun you will under
> some conditions get a reversal of tones, that is, the bright sun
> becomes a black circle.
> 
> Over-exposure of 2-3 stops does not constitute extreme over-exposure,
> at least in my opinion.
> 
> I don't know what to call the phenomenon that I observed and
> described but it does not seem to fit with my understanding of
> solarization, which would include halation, bronzing and gross
> reversal of tones.
> 
> Sandy
> --