Through making test strips we learn that there is a choice of where we place the tonal values in different areas of the print. We might have done a test strip in exposures of 5 secs from 5 to 25 seconds.

We select the appropriate density and expose the print for this time. When we look at the negative we discover there is far more information then we are able to reproduce on the print. But we can also expose various parts of the image for different times through dodging and burning in to produce a more balance tonal range or revel visual information that would other wise not show. Dodging is a technique where the light reaching an area of the print during the main exposure is stopped and is generally used to equalise shadow areas that contain detail with the mid tones.

Anything that blocks the light can be used for dodging so long as it simulates the shape of the area to be dodged. Many Photographers use the shape of their hands for dodging as they can be manipulated into a wide range of shapes and even altered during the exposure so that areas within the dodge zone get slightly different exposures. Black cotton gloves work very well. For some areas it may be impossible to for the desired shape with your hands and you might need to cut a dodge mask out of card. Place a few books or another object on the easel so that it allows you to place the card about a third of the distance between the easel and the enlarger lens. When the image is projected down, it will produce a smaller image of exactly the same shape as the area that the mask needs to be cut for. Draw around the area to be dodged and cut it out. Usually these dodge masks have to be attached to a thin wire for use.

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