Well, Jim Shanesy sent me a negative and an azo print to compare to a pt/pd print made from the same negative.

I posted both prints so you all can get an idea of the differences. All in all, comparing an azo or silver print and a pt/pd print is an exercise in futility. Both have very different feel, coupled with the photographer's interpretation of the negative, it is useless to say what is better. Of course I am partial to the pt/pd print, but I imagine how many would like the feel of the azo print better.

Jorge, I think that you would have to have a sperate negative to compare these two prints fairly, one for the AZO and one pt/pd. Don't see any reason to determine which is best, each one has appeal. Some of your own posting would not look as good in sliver as they do pt/pd, plus for me there are some images that cry to have pt/pd look others really do look better in silver (some of them cry out to be toned) it just goes on and on and on.

Thanks for sharing ....

So what did you learn Jorge? It sounds like you learned that no two processes can be compared directly. A good lesson, I'd say. I'll keep it in mind.

Cheers,

Jorge, I think that you would have to have a sperate negative to compare these two prints fairly, one for the AZO and one pt/pd. Don't see any reason to determine which is best, each one has appeal. Some of your own posting would not look as good in sliver as they do pt/pd, plus for me there are some images that cry to have pt/pd look others really do look better in silver (some of them cry out to be toned) it just goes on and on and on.

Thanks for sharing ....
Not really, Jim's negative was excellent, I just chose to do the print this way. I could have done the print a bit more like the azo print, but then what is the use of making a pt/pd print that is going to look like a silver print? Essentially, negatives that are good for azo also produce very nice alt prints, I could have just as well done a Satista or a Kallitype. This is why Herbst says that azo is a good "proof" for printing pt/pd, because you can use the same negative. I disagree with this, the "look" is so totally different that it makes it useless for me.

I think certain kinds of images lend themselves to certain print processes, and when one commits to one or two processes, that influences the kinds of scenes one looks for.

I think certain kinds of images lend themselves to certain print processes, and when one commits to one or two processes, that influences the kinds of scenes one looks for.

Definitely! Even when choosing to enlarge or to contact print for final presentation - the format and materials we choose to work with affects the images we make and seach for, especially in relation to composition.

I woud like to hear Jim's description of the thinking behnd his print. That is what art is all about.

Personally i do not see this subject lending itself to PT/PD but that is just my taste.
Thanks for the comparison Jorge.

Wouldn't it be cool if we could get more interpretive comparisons, of the same negative, like this? I do not think it would be tough because with pyro, a negative can be developed with a dual purpose in mind.

Wouldn't it be cool if we could get more interpretive comparisons, of the same negative, like this? I do not think it would be tough because with pyro, a negative can be developed with a dual purpose in mind.


I actually think thats a great idea. We should create a print exchange where one single negative is sent around in a group, and each person prints it to thier liking. Then either the finished prints could be rotated around in the group, or posted in the site's gallery.

I actually think thats a great idea. We should create a print exchange where one single negative is sent around in a group, and each person prints it to thier liking. Then either the finished prints could be rotated around in the group, or posted in the site's gallery.
EricR was supposed to be getting this exact thing going. Where are you Eric?

I woud like to hear Jim's description of the thinking behnd his print. That is what art is all about.



I wonder, where is Jim? I also would like to hear his opinion and thinking about making the print.

Sandy,

It was my assumption that the contrast of Pt/Pd could controlled. A contrasty neg means you apply a less contrasty mix to the paper. Is this just a misconception?

*this thread was moderated in agreement from participants in the thread,thnx