How Photos Were Edited in the Darkroom Days

How Photos Were Edited in the Darkroom Days

Years ago the only way to print a photo was to make test strips, make a test print, go back and dodge and burn details, make more test strips, another test print and so on and so on until you got the result you were after. In these photos released by Magnum Photos in New York, you can get a closer look at the process followed by their master printer, Pablo Inirio.

Magnum photos before and after muhammed ali fstoppers

As shown in the photos, Pablo makes his test prints, makes his decisions about how the final print should look, and then makes himself notes on the photo for how he'll make the final print. Kinda makes you re-think getting it right in camera no?

Magnum Photos before and after audrey hepburn fstoppers

Magnum Before and After James Dean Fstoppers

Magnum photos before and after pablo inirio fstoppers

Pablo Inirio in his lab.

[Via Gizmodo]

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silver halides

During my college years I was very VERY lucky to spend a few weeks working at Magnum's London office. I saw some of the most amazing images that some people will never actually get to see. I was filing duped transparencies from decades ago. But the most important thing I got from it was the time I spent in the darkroom with their printer who taught me more about using multigrade and different techniques than I had through the whole of my college course.

Un orgullo Dominicano :)

Really fine work, but it shouldn't make anyone re-think "getting it right in the camera".