Creating a Contact Sheet Using a 35 mm Film Negative
Now that I have processed my negatives …what do I do?
Create a Contact Sheet Using Negatives in Sleeves. 3
What is a CONTACT SHEET & Why do I need to make one? a positive record of film negatives. The printed page of thumbnail images allow you preview and select your favorite photos to enlarge. Contact sheets are created in the darkroom using the negative to positive printing method- think pinhole project.
1.) Put negatives into protective sleeve. Make sure negatives are thoroughly dry before cutting. Cut into strips every 5 frames. Place neg. strips in sleeves Keep in binder - on top! Label with: Name, Date, Hour & Project
2.) Place negatives under glass In darkroom… 2.) Place negatives under glass Emulsion side up. **Make sure glass easel is clean!!**
In darkroom… 3.) Prepare Enlarger Make sure to properly adjust the : Height (area of projected light should cover all negatives) Aperture (f/11 or f/16) focus with bright light, print with dim light Focus
4.) As Always….start by making a TEST STRIP b.) place matte board over test strip, leaving a small part exposed. a.) place small strip of paper, EMULSION SIDE UP, underneath the negatives and glass c. ) Move matte board over exposing paper for 5 second intervals @ f/11 or f/16- adjust according d.) Analyze test strip- choose best time and aperture
5.) Use larger paper to create final contact sheet
6.) Use larger paper to create final contact sheet Evaluate thumbnail images Look for good focus, composition, contrast & value Choose frames to enlarge
Stop…it’s time to enlarge the negative You tube video demo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I400zbpp-_w