In October 2023, I began experimenting with large-format photography (4x5 and 8x10), using photographic paper instead of traditional film. This page highlights the challenges and creativity involved in developing this process.
This was the first image I created, shot on a 4x5 paper negative and developed in a 1:9 ratio of Ilford Paper Developer.
iso:4, 7s, f/6.8, dev. 90s
The second image I created, adjusted the metered iso and development time. Developed in same ratio of Ilford Paper Developer
iso:3, 1s, f/8, dev.45s
Same Process as the previous photo, with limited success
iso:3, 1/2s, f/6.8, dev.90s
Experimented with prewash to remove cloudy appearance of negatives. Metering and development ratio remained the same.
iso:3, 22s, f/6.8, prewash then dev. 115s
At this stage, I noticed my exposures were consistent, indicating proper exposure, yet my results remained mixed and inconsistent. After research and further experimentation, I identified two key factors affecting the outcomes:
Light Sensitivity: Photographic paper is not reactive to red light but is highly sensitive to blue light. This explained why photos taken outdoors in bright daylight were consistently overexposed with high contrast. To address this, I began using a yellow filter, which reduced blue light sensitivity and allowed the paper to react to red light effectively.
Development Ratio: The 1:9 development ratio yielded fast results but produced high-contrast negatives. Through experimentation, I found that a 1:18 ratio delivered the best balance, producing consistent contrast with well-represented highlights, shadows, and a broad range of midtones.
This image represents my first success, showcasing proper exposure and balanced contrast based on my research and adjustments.
At this stage, I transitioned to 8x10 paper negatives and refined my technique until I established a reliable process for producing consistent images. Below are some of my successful results, along with my exact workflow.
