Framing Prints

Patryk · 22nd January 2006

Well, got all my basic stuff, and abit of improvisation, finally got my toilet to be a darkroom for my first ever printing session... must say, i'm pretty satisfied with what i got from my very first try...

However, i got this problem of correctly framing the enlargement dead center of the paper...and subsequently have to trim off edges to get a centered print...does anyone have any suggestions/tips on how to center prints correctly? (i'm using a two-way easel if that is any help..)

pipefish · 22nd January 2006

Originally Posted by Patryk

Well, got all my basic stuff, and abit of improvisation, finally got my toilet to be a darkroom for my first ever printing session... must say, i'm pretty satisfied with what i got from my very first try...

However, i got this problem of correctly framing the enlargement dead center of the paper...and subsequently have to trim off edges to get a centered print...does anyone have any suggestions/tips on how to center prints correctly? (i'm using a two-way easel if that is any help..)

If you are using a 2 blade easel, then its not always possible to get the image dead centre because of the different aspect ratios of film and paper. For e.g., on a 8x10 sheet, you cannot centre the image unless you are using a 4x5 neg. The limited adjustments possible on a 2 blade are normally insufficient.

photo-file · 22nd January 2006

make a mask to frame your image.

Keep your next spoilt print, cut a rectangle/square in the centre that just fit the image when projected from enlarger.

this should gives u good consistency and save time in the darkroom.

hondasleeper · 22nd January 2006

Why don't you figure out what size print you want, make a mask out of an 8x10 piece of cardboard. Cut the size print you want in the center of the cardboard. To find the center point just draw to lines from opposite corners of the 8x10 cardboard to make a big X. Then measure out the print size you want.

I'm not sure if you understand what I mean. Kinda hard to describe but I hope you get it.

I jope this helps

maxonline · 2nd February 2006

Originally Posted by Patryk

Well, got all my basic stuff, and abit of improvisation, finally got my toilet to be a darkroom for my first ever printing session... must say, i'm pretty satisfied with what i got from my very first try...

However, i got this problem of correctly framing the enlargement dead center of the paper...and subsequently have to trim off edges to get a centered print...does anyone have any suggestions/tips on how to center prints correctly? (i'm using a two-way easel if that is any help..)

U may also try to peel the thin membrane out using a penknife if your frame is thin.

BTW, I have seen in one camera shop, the owner frame his picture with a white frame, then a black frame. White frame is very thin.

I visualise and try in my own method but very clumsy in the dark enviroment and spoilt many pieces of paper.

Any bro know how he did it?

ratboy · 3rd February 2006

i dont think you mean frame ?
may borders ?

http://www.halfhill.com/borders.html

try the abv link for some simple borders
to do the multiple borders,
i think its done with more elaborate masks

maxonline · 3rd February 2006

Originally Posted by ratboy

i dont think you mean frame ?
may borders ?

http://www.halfhill.com/borders.html

try the abv link for some simple borders
to do the multiple borders,
i think its done with more elaborate masks

YEs it is something like this:

http://www.halfhill.com/borders2.html

but is in the reverse way.

hondasleeper · 3rd February 2006

Guys, I think he was asking how to centre his prints not to frame his prints as you showed us links to. If he can't centre his prints how would you expect him to do something so advanced as what you have indicated. I think some of you are getting alittle ahead of yourselves.

22nd January 2006	#1
Patryk Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 661	Framing Prints Well, got all my basic stuff, and abit of improvisation, finally got my toilet to be a darkroom for my first ever printing session... must say, i'm pretty satisfied with what i got from my very first try... However, i got this problem of correctly framing the enlargement dead center of the paper...and subsequently have to trim off edges to get a centered print...does anyone have any suggestions/tips on how to center prints correctly? (i'm using a two-way easel if that is any help..) __________________ if my camera is there at the right moment, click, all I have to do is accept it. -edouard boubat

22nd January 2006	#3
photo-file Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 156	Re: Framing Prints make a mask to frame your image. Keep your next spoilt print, cut a rectangle/square in the centre that just fit the image when projected from enlarger. this should gives u good consistency and save time in the darkroom.

22nd January 2006	#4
hondasleeper Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 334	Re: Framing Prints Why don't you figure out what size print you want, make a mask out of an 8x10 piece of cardboard. Cut the size print you want in the center of the cardboard. To find the center point just draw to lines from opposite corners of the 8x10 cardboard to make a big X. Then measure out the print size you want. I'm not sure if you understand what I mean. Kinda hard to describe but I hope you get it. I jope this helps

3rd February 2006	#6
ratboy Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 702	Re: Framing Prints i dont think you mean frame ? may borders ? http://www.halfhill.com/borders.html try the abv link for some simple borders to do the multiple borders, i think its done with more elaborate masks

3rd February 2006	#8
hondasleeper Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 334	Re: Framing Prints Guys, I think he was asking how to centre his prints not to frame his prints as you showed us links to. If he can't centre his prints how would you expect him to do something so advanced as what you have indicated. I think some of you are getting alittle ahead of yourselves.