WORKSHOP – SPLIT GRADE PRINTING, TORSTEN WIECZOREK 23

„Split-Grade Printing” is a darkroom technique of exposing variable contrast black and white paper using two exposures instead of a single one.

Many modern papers used in the darkroom are ‘variable-contrast’ (VC) which means that one can opt to modify the contrast of a print from soft to hard without changing the paper. „Split-Grade Printing” is a darkroom technique of exposing variable contrast black and white paper using two exposures instead of a single one. The aim of split grade printing is to maintain a full range of mid-tones whilst allowing a suitable amount of contrast that is otherwise unobtainable when using a single filter. This technique offers smooth and infinite control of contrast between the soft and hard limits but requires only two filters.

In our one-day workshop, we will explore this printing technique and when to use it in darkroom printing.

Part 1

• Basics of Variable Contrast Paper
• Split printing Basics
• Split Grade Printing vs. Dodging & Burning

Part 2

• Practical approaches in Split Grade Printing