Toning black and white

Many people may not realize but traditional black and white photographs are frequently processed with toning chemicals. Some cause very little colour change, perhaps only improving the contrast a little and are used mainly to increase the print's longevity and archival qualities. Others do produce a distinct colourization of the print, from a gentle warming of the tones to a sepia brown or cold blue colour and many others as well. Toning is very much a subjective process, based in the end on how you want the print to look as much as anything else. It is another process where experimentation can yield endless results as various papers, development and toners themselves cause a myriad of responses.

Tim Rudman has written one of the most comprehensive guides to toning and this book, unfortunately has long been out of print. Lucky for us, Tim has managed to have his book reprinted and it has just been released. The Master Photographer's Toning Book covers materials and processes in great detail.This is a limited print run, just 1000 copies and is available here from Silverprint in the UK. You can read more information at the website for the book. http://masterphotographerstoningbook.com/ Copies are selling briskly so make sure to get yours.