D&B are techniques that we use to finesse prints. Enlargements are made by projecting your neg onto photo
paper. If we cast a shadow for a portion of the projection time over part of the image, we have "dodged" a
portion of the print. We would do this to lighten up areas of shadow detail. Burning is the adding of exposure
beyond the base time. After the base print is made we can make any number of additional exposures to add more
density to individual areas of the print. If we double the exposure time of a bride's dress, we have "burned in"
the dress details.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
The following images are presented solely to illustrate D&B techniques, and should not
be used to judge the quality of our work. Different computer systems and viewing screens may cause the images to
look lighter or darker than they actually appear.
An example of Dodging and Burning
Photo by Hugh Thomas
This is the "base exposure," what the photo would look like with no D&B work.
Next we burn in (add exposure) to the bride's dress and flowers.
Then we darken the roof above the bride and groom.
Finally we burn in the windows on each side.
A comparison of the "straight print" and the
final print with D&B work.
Pro-line prints come with light D&B at the printer's discretion. If (s)he sees an area of the print that can be
improved with a little quick D&B work, then the printer will do it. Infinity prints come with heavy D&B work.
With these prints we do everything possible to make a great print. With Infinity prints we often burn at different
contrast grades, creating "split filter" prints. Frequently wedding dresses on Infinity prints will be burned in
at a softer contrast to show detail.
