Keeping or tossing prints?
In the course of a typical darkroom session, I’ll wind up with multiple prints, trying to arrive at the “perfect” one. The so-called “work prints” aren’t especially bad, but they exhibit flaws that maybe only I would notice. What do you all do with your maybe-not-so-perfect prints? Do you keep them or toss them? Seems a shame to tear up a print just because it contains an area that, say, needed to be burned in a bit more. But at the same time, I don’t have the space to store them. I’m just a hobbyist, so I guess I could gift them to friends and acquaintances, who likely, in turn, would put them in their closets or in next week’s trash collection. Thoughts?
Re: Keeping or tossing prints?
I tear them in half
Often wet
Re: Keeping or tossing prints?
I save them for post processing experiments with toning
Re: Keeping or tossing prints?
I cut them into strips and make bookmarks.
Re: Keeping or tossing prints?
If you gift them to somebody they will surely frame them and put them somewere so you'ss see it every time you visit - a constant reminder of your mistakes.
Re: Keeping or tossing prints?
I tear them in half and toss 'em. I have too many prints in storage now! ;)
Re: Keeping or tossing prints?
Since we are talking about a print that's a "keeper", I'd give them away -- but I only give away prints that I mat and frame, the way I want.
Not too many friends would go to the trouble and expense of matting and framing a "raw" print. So then they are stuck. What do they do with it? Then they end up in the same boat as you did.
But when I gift a matted and framed photo, my friends have always found a good place for it -- and they never notice the "imperfections".
Re: Keeping or tossing prints?
I keep one and write the settings used, draw on it where it was dodged or burned and trash the rest.
Re: Keeping or tossing prints?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Alan9940
I tear them in half and toss 'em. I have too many prints in storage now! ;)
+1
Sometimes it is pretty depressing to see how many prints it took to get it right.
Re: Keeping or tossing prints?
I think if you are going to put something out into the world you should always go with your best. I always keep everything around for a while because I might change my mind on what is best. I keep a few bad prints to cut for the odd flashing mask. And since I've been mounting infrequently lately I keep some around to practice on the trimmer before I start on the real stuff.