Creatively Distressing a negative and/or simulating it

I've seen b/w prints which feature some very unique textures, as if

someone has taken a sponge to the negative or something. What are

some ideas on how to affect an already processed negative to give it

texture, since it's too late to 'cook' it in the processing stages

(reticulation, is it called)?

 

Another thing- In the event that I don't want to permanently alter

a negative, is it possible to perhaps effect a blank frame and put

it in the enlarger with the actual image negative to give the

impression of a distressed negative? I'm far from home and my

darkroom but would love some info ahead of time to get the gears

turning. Thank you!

Hi Kelly, your latter idea is more like the one I'd do, and something I have seen done before. You could take a shot of a piece of paper that is crumpled on the edges, for example, or any other texture that you like, and simply expose the paper with the two slides together.

interesting, got me thinking...

 

I'd go the route of distressing other negs.

 

You could sandwich them, but then you'll have to get the exposure for your texture neg just right to match correct exposure times for the picture neg. So either change negs and expose the paper twice or shoot varying exposures so you can choose and have some control over how much of the texture goes onto the print.

 

Here's a few ideas:

 

-Reticulation, shoot a plain white background (or maybe blank would be better as the emulsion should still reticulate) develop warm then stop with strong cold stop bath, fix with warm fix then wash with cold water. (I think the older emulsions Tri-X/Plus-X/FP4/HP5 should work better than the t-grain style for this)

 

-Shoot textures such as walls, fabrics, wood, (sponges!) etc

 

-Think about the grain in the 2 negs (from very fine eg. Tech Pan to huge eg. Tmax3200 pushed to 6400 or more) different combinations of grain might be interesting

 

-Try sandpaper, rubbing them on the carpet, or even just throw some negs (even blank leader strips) on the floor and let them get kicked around for a a few weeks.

 

Good luck, let us know how you get on.

 

Ben

Texture screens, cut-up stockings, fine household screen or netting, etc.

I've read where old portrait photogs in Hollywood would smooth the emulsion side with fine graphite. Of course you'd probably need to be shooting Med Format or larger for any control?

I know it's Danger-ous, but hold over a lit candle flame and watch surface bubble up. Works well with slides also.

Kelly;

 

Try the following textbooks on the subject.

 

1. Creative Darkroom Techniques (Eastman Kodak publication Cat # 142 2211)

 

2. Focus on Special Effects by Carroll and Carroll

 

3. Experimental Photography by Warren

 

4. Special Effects (Petersen's Press)

 

5. Creating Special Effects (Kodak Library of Creative Photography)

 

I could go on, I suppose, but that should be enough for now. This covers a lot of ground including texture screens, cross processing, solarization, sabbattier effect, reticulation, and lots more.

 

Have fun.

 

Ron Mowrey

Look at Emil Schildt's work here on photo.net and follow the link to his website where he describes the process he sometimes uses for distressing his negatives or prints. Excellent stuff. It's mostly classic, tasteful nudes so be prepared if you have any qualms about such subject matter.

 

All you'll need after learning his technique is a fraction of his imagination and talent. ;>

These are all very kick*ss ideas. Thanks so much! I particularly like the lighter idea ;)