Toning Questions

[Steinberg2010]

In the last two years I went from having basically never shot film in my life, to pretty much exclusively using film to make photographs. At the same time, I've pretty much assembled a fairly comprehensive set of darkroom equipment from various sources.

However, I have never toned a print – should I? According to Way Beyond Monochrome, it will increase the shelf-life of my prints. On the other hand as far as I can tell it seems extremely toxic...

I haven't seen much discussion on toning in these forums – do any of you tone your prints regularly, or only occasionally?

Thanks in advance for your help!

~S

 

[dof]

Selenium toning when done correctly will increase both the longevity and maximum density (dMax) of your prints. Different dilutions can be used to impart neutral to subtle color effects as well.

Yes it is toxic, but within limits can be used safely. Check with your local waste management agency/dump to see if they include it among the compounds they can dispose of. I save my solution in bottles and do a run every year or so. Here in SF, they only take photo chemistry on Fridays.

There are other less toxic toners available. Eddie Ephraums' book, "Creative Elements: Landscape Photography - Darkroom Techniques" includes a section on toners and gives a very good overview of the various methods, and the strengths and weaknesses of each. It also includes recipes for making your own.

It's a rich topic and one that encourages experimentation. Have fun with it!

 

[rlouzan]

Hi,

Toning not only increases a prints longevity, Gold/Selenium, but adds an extra dimension (especially sepia split-toning) or richer blacks as in selenium toners.
Prints must be properly fixed and washed before toning, and you must use dedicated trays + not all FB papers react the same way.

Take a look at Jonathan Bailey's work:

http://www.alternativephotography.com/wp/toning/split-toning-history

http://www.alternativephotography.com/wp/toning/split-toning-processes

Regards,
Robert

 

[Pablito]

and you need very good ventilation! some toners really stink and the fumes can be toxic.

 

[Steinberg2010]

Thanks for all the information - hopefully the flat where I am living next year will have better ventilation. It sounds like this is definitely something I shouldn't be doing at the moment!

~S