Making multiple prints

[Jeff Dexheimer]

I am sure this is a simple question but since I am new to film I have no idea how this works.

After several days of experimenting and wrapping my brain around getting my prints to mostly look the way I want, I am finally satisfied with my result. Is there a way to duplicate my print in the darkroom without having to burn and dodge all over again? Say for example, making a contact print from my original print?

[E. von Hoegh]

No. What I do is take a work print and mark the areas and times for burning/dodging, as well as any tools used.

Don't despair, this takes time to become proficient at.

edit: Keep the annotated work prints on file.

[Jeff Dexheimer]

unfortunate

[E. von Hoegh]

unfortunate

Just think, WWAD? (What would Ansel do?) His book, "The Print" is a great one to have.

[Jeff Dexheimer]

I have his first two, but I haven't read "the Print" I will get to it soon.

[jeroldharter]

Timers like RH Designs and Darkroom Automations make it much easier to repeat complicated burn sequences by having multiple easily programmable sequences.

Also, you can try exposing one sheet after another and storing the exposed paper in a paper safe or box. Then you can batch process many sheets at once. If you batch process, you want to standardize on a long development time so that you develop to completion. Also, you want to use ample volume of solutions so you do not exhaust them. I use nitrile gloves to handle the prints in the trays.

Fiber based paper is much easier to batch process than RC paper because RC paper tends to stick together when wet.

[Oren Grad]

Is there a way to duplicate my print in the darkroom without having to burn and dodge all over again? Say for example, making a contact print from my original print?

You can rephotograph the print and then print the copy negative. It would require very careful technique to not introduce artifacts from the copying process, to more or less match the original tonal scale, and to minimize the inevitable losses in sharpness and detail. But it can be done.

[Larry Gebhardt]

Learn to make burn and dodge masks for your negatives. The mask will contain all your dodging and burning, so you just need to get the exposure and contrast right for the next prints.

[Robert Oliver]

or cheat and work the photo up in Photoshop and output to 4x5 film, then print from that negative... but that wouldn't be any fun

[Vaughn]

I keep notes, then ignore them in order to approach the image afresh. As the Man said, every print is a performance. I am not a copier machine...

Vaughn