2. Filtration: I use Ilford Multigrade filters 00 = soft, 5 = hard.

3. Procedure:

Select filter at the soft end of the range i.e. 00/0. Expose a test strip in the normal manner. Process fully and dry. Process time must be standard throughout.

• Select the exposure which first gives detail in the highlight areas.
• Place a new piece of paper in the easel and expose the whole sheet for the chosen time.
• Leave this sheet in the easel.

4. Now remove the soft filter, replace with the hard or contrasty filter e.g. 5 and make a test strip in the usual manner on the paper which has already been exposed to the soft filter.

5. Process fully to the standardised time and dry. You should now have a test sheet with a range of combined exposures. One of these strips should give you detail in highlights, and in shadows, plus a range of density.

6. Place a new sheet of paper in the easel and expose for the chosen time through the soft filter then for the chosen time through the hard filter. Process fully for the standardised time and dry.

7. Fine tuning, Once you have mastered the basic techniques it is possible to fine tune the image.

These are methods I used:

• Exposure: If overall print is too light /too dark for my purpose I vary one, or both, exposures.
• Control of tones. The range of tones can be controlled by varying the filters used e.g. move up to Filter 1 or down to Filter 4.
• Burning in. This can be done using any filter in the range thus tailoring the image to your requirements.

 As with all processing, once you master the basics you will find yourself varying it to suit your purposes. I would point out that it is essential that all images are fully developed. Standardising is essential to make the most of the process. Processing should be to time, not how the image looks under the safelight, and images should be assessed when dry to allow for the effects of drying down.