Curve or no curve that is the question

Here we go again with some cyanotype experiments. Today, we are comparing side by side the same image with EDN curves and without it. The methodology is what it is. Not perfect :

  • same paper coated during the same batch
  • same exposure time (let’s say +- 1 sec) with the same exposure unit

The two negatives only differ by applying a curve that was generated with the EDN method. One drawback is that the paper was not from the same coating batch when I prepared for the EDN thing. Though it is the same paper and same batch of chemistry.

Now lets look at the results :

  • On the left, without the correction curves, we have stronger contrast and deep dark blue.
  • on the right, with the correction curves applied to the negative, we have a more balanced image and we are getting more details in the shadows.

So the conclusion, is obviously that there’s a difference. I used an already contrasted image on purpose, and to me the curve do not bring much in that case. But if we got a landscape with lots of details I’ll use these curves to make sure I’m not losing those details in the shadows (for instance in the trees).

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