Practice question · Multiple choice
The negative holds fixed tonal data, yet the darkroom worker retains interpretive control through local exposure. Why does dodging a shadow retain detail where simply reducing overall base exposure fails?
Hints
- What happens to highlights across the whole print if you simply shorten the enlarger timer?
- Which physical medium is actually being manipulated when shielding light with a dodging tool?
Show the answer
A. It preserves the base exposure across the rest of the composition
Why
Lowering base exposure lightens the entire sheet, washing out midtones and highlights. Dodging shields only selected paper areas without modifying the negative or discarding global tonal balance across the remaining image.
Practise Dodging, Burning and the Expressive Print
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