latensification

Definition: Latent image intensification: treatment of the exposed image prior to development designed to increase image density and/or contrast. * Techniques include exposure to very low light levels, exposure to mercury vapour, dunking in various weak acids, etc.
Squeezed dry
It is nearly pointless attempting these witch-craft techniques with modern materials which are about as efficient as can be. The old techniques relied on there being exposed silver halides which would not develop without a bit of encouragement. However, you can try it when making prints: latensification with a very, very low uniform exposure to light can help eke out a touch of high-key detail when working with silver-rich papers.

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