Practice question · Multiple choice
Exposure sets the position of tones along the log-exposure axis, while development controls the slope of the straight-line portion. Why must a photographer expose for the shadows rather than compensating for underexposure in development?
Hints
- Where do deep shadow values fall on the characteristic curve relative to the speed point?
- How does extending development time alter the lower toe compared to the straight-line region?
Show the answer
A. Development cannot retrieve unrecorded toe values
Why
Development increases curve gradient across the mid-tones and highlights, but tones falling below the toe threshold receive no exposure distinction to amplify. Shadow values depend on initial photon capture rather than chemical intensification.
Practise Film and the Characteristic Curve
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