Large Format B&W Film Testing Video Workshop

Testing your large format black and white film is one of the most important investments you can make in your large format photography because you gain total control over the entire range of tones in your images.

By using Tim Layton's 7-step visual-based testing process, you can test any black and white film and developer combination to establish your personal film speed (Exposure Index), and the correct development times for (N) Normal, (N+) Expanded, and (N-1) Contracted.

No more guessing if your film is rated at the correct speed and you know with authority how to control and place the full spectrum of tones in your images via a repeatable and consistent process.

By rating your film at the proper speed you will have open shadows and by knowing your normal, expanded, and contracted development times your highlights will be spectacular.

You can place the tonal values of your images in any zone you wish for realistic interpretations or dramatic results.

Stop wasting your time, money, and efforts and take control of your large format black and white photography.

Tim Layton's black and white film testing process is of value whether you are a large format beginner or an old sage.

Your properly exposed and developed negative is a solid rock that you stand on that provides you the opportunity to shape your final images and prints no matter if you are scanning your negatives, printing in the darkroom, or doing both.

Note: if you have purchased Module 2 from my Large Format Video Workshop Series, the film testing workshop is included for you.

Tim Layton walks you through how to properly test any black and white 4x5 large format sheet film and developer combination to establish your personal film speed (EI), and the correct development times for Normal (N), Expanded (N+), and Contracted (N-) negatives.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• INTRODUCTION
• BEFORE YOU GET STARTED
• MY PERSONAL STANDARD
• UNDERSTANDING EXPOSURE INDEX
• THE ZONE SYSTEM SUMMARIZED IN A PARAGRAPH
• ZONE SYSTEM & SENSITOMETERY
• GENERAL TIPS
• STEP WEDGE SETUP, EXPOSURE, & DEVELOPMENT
• - Step 1 – Prepare Step Wedge
• - Step 2 – Meter & Expose Step Wedge
• - Step 3 – Develop Step Wedge & Blank Film
• - Step 4 - Evaluate Negative For Proper EI Rating
• PROPER PROOF & DEVELOPMENT TIMES
• - Step 5 - Determine Your Proper Proof Time
• - Step 6 - Create Contact Print To Determine Normal Development (N)
• - Step 7 - Establish Development Times for N+ and N-
• SUMMARY
• NEXT STEPS  

BENEFITS OF THE LARGE FORMAT B&W FILM TESTING VIDEO WORKSHOP

In addition to the course videos, you also get a detailed step-by-step eBook and a film testing worksheet.

Establishing your personal film speed and development times is the first part of a larger black and white fine art workflow. If you want go to the next level and master the darkroom, Tim has a special offer for you below to bundle this workshop with his B&W Darkroom Video Workshop. (See details below)

Knowing your true film speed and establishing correct development times for Normal (N), Expanded (N+), and Contracted (N-) is paramount for consistent results and artistic control over your negatives.

Are you tired of guessing the proper exposure index (EI) for your film and developer combination? (hint: it’s almost never the manufacturer’s rating)

Increase your confidence and certainty across your entire large format work flow to include exposure, development, and scanning/printing by combining this workshop with the B&W Video Workshop (see details below).

By using your true film speed, you set the stage for your shadows to be open and beautiful. Then, by knowing the different development times, you can control the overall contrast and placement of your highlights.