Refining the Print
Printing with Fred Picker VIII/XI
(2 votes)
Summary
So far, Fred Picker has shown us how he gets a correct basic exposure, find the right high value, make pilot prints and then choose the appropriate contrast paper from a negative.
In this film, he carefully examines the pilot print that he had previously chosen and finds ways to improve the photograph. He suggests that the photograph be printed in different tones of Black and White, usually fifteen, from his experience. He derives these different tones by increasing the exposure time from the standard 27 seconds in increments of 3. He chooses the area of the picture he wants to compare and makes prints by increasing the exposure time. He then places the result over the chosen pilot print and does a comparative study on the tones and colours of the result with that of the pilot print. Its interesting to note his comments on the various black, white and grey tones. He repeats this process as much as it is needed. It is also important to observe how he systematically notes down all the variables in the comparative test. This work system allows him to get the best possible result.
Picker was involved in manufacturing of 4 x 5 and 8 x 10 large format field cameras. He taught a highly successful photography class known as "The Zone VI Workshop," and authored a book by the same name that has become recognized as the golden standard of photographic instruction. His uncanny sense of "photographer's intuition” and his passion for the art was a unique combination. Always opinionated and oft times controversial, his dedication to large format and black and white photography was unsurpassed.