Window, jug, afternoon
Finding the
first black.
The difference between a dull print and a luminous one can be a few seconds. Let the test strip tell you where to look.
Select a time to read the print.Original digital illustration.
A tonal demonstration, not a calibrated darkroom test.
12 seconds.
The useful middle.
The jug holds its highlights while the chair begins to settle into black. Look for detail in both before committing to a full print.
Read the brightest part.
A white jug is not empty paper. Find the soft gray turn near its edge. If that detail disappears, the print may need less contrast or a local adjustment.
Change one thing.
Keep paper, filtration and aperture constant while testing time. Make notes. A test strip is a conversation with this negative, not a universal recipe.