Photographics 10, Photography 20, 30 and Graphic Arts 20, 30

Module 10: Printing Papers: Black and White and Colour (Core)

Suggested time: 10-15 hours
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: None

Foundational Objectives

To practise safety and care in the use of photographic equipment and chemicals.
To develop skills related to the use of photographic equipment.
To practise good photographic techniques.

Common Essential Learnings Foundational Objectives

To examine the differences between variable contrast and graded black and white printing papers. (COM)
To develop students' abilities to access and apply knowledge to black and white printing. (CCT)

Learning Objectives	Notes
10.1 To differentiate resin-coated (RC) papers from fiber-based papers.	For this objective simple identification by feeling the surfaces is sufficient. Colour printing paper in use now is all resin-coated.
10.2 To describe the different physical characteristics of printing papers. (COM)	Characteristics to note: Surface texture: gloss, satin, matte, canvas, pebbled Image tone: warm through cool Base Tint: white through cream Paper Weight: single, medium, double Contrast Grade: graded or variable contrast Paper Size: range from 5x7 to 20x24.
10.3 To describe the printing characteristics of contrast graded printing papers. (COM)	Graded papers are available in grades 1-5. Grade 1 produces a low (soft) contrast and grade 5 produces a high (harder) contrast image. Have the students print a single negative using the same enlarger settings with different contrast grade papers and produce a series of small prints to compare the effect of using different paper grades on the finished image. Graded papers can improve negatives that are not properly exposed. For example, dense negatives will produce a better print on lower contrast paper (grade 1) and thin negatives require a high contrast paper (grade 5) to produce a better print.
10.4 To describe the printing characteristics of variable contrast papers. (COM)	This is the most popular type of printing paper in use currently and is the best bargain for use in a school setting, particularly if a survey course approach is being used. Variable contrast paper is constructed of two emulsion layers that respond to yellow and magenta special filters designed to match different contrast grades. The higher the intensity of the filter colour used during the printing procedure, the greater will be the increase in contrast in the finished print.
10.5 To compare the advantages of graded contrast print paper with variable contrast paper.	Samples of various types of papers may be available from custom printing companies or paper manufacturers. Some photographers who produce images for the art market feel that graded papers produce more consistent results when multiple copies are produced of a single image.
10.6 To be familiar with the characteristics of colour print papers. (COM)	Samples of coloured printing paper for student to examine may be available from a manufacturer or custom printing company. This objective may be accomplished by a tour of a photo lab that processes prints. Technology has made it possible for the entire process to occur inside a single processing machine that may not provide much insight into the developing and printing procedure.
10.7 To describe the operating characteristics of machine process printing equipment.	Have students make a cut away view of an automatic printing machine to reveal the operations involved in the production of a print. It would also be valuable to list the operating and maintenance procedures needed to insure quality print production.
10.8 To compare the procedures for printing black and white photographs and colour photographs. (CCT)	Have students review the technical aspects as well as cost and labour involved comparing hand printing to automatic process machine printing for colour and black and white work.