"You can’t make a fine print from a coarse negative" is Barry’s well known catch phrase while running Masterclasses. Negatives must be delicately exposed and individually developed in the correct solution to the correct density range to produce the glowing print. It is here that the Fine Print Photographer’s Workshop makes all the difference. No standard commercial developers are used here; no automatic processing machines; no deep tanks; no batch processing by assistants with ‘a few minutes extra to be sure’ in an overworked solution. Every film is individually hand developed in a scrupulously clean tank with tender loving care to individually adjusted times in the very freshest of specialist developers to your choice with our help and advice. Not only can you enjoy developers such as Barry Thornton’s own twin bath formulations, Stoëckler two bath, Ansel Adams two bath, ABC pyro, PMK, Utrafin, Perceptol, Rodinal, Beutler, T-Max, Xtol, FX39, etc. you can now experience the unique qualities of the DiXactol™ family of solutions invented by Barry Thornton, and available only from him.

diXactol™ is a staining and tanning two or single bath which is believed to give the sharpest negatives of any available developer along with a unique contrast compensation or enhancement to choice on VC or graded paper respectively. It does not contain Pyro and overcomes many of the drawbacks found with conventional tanning/staining Pyro formulae. While maintaining the fine grain advantages of the new special grain films, they exhibit the kind of cutting edge sharpness only previously available with traditional emulsions. The acutance available with traditional emulsions has to be seen to be believed.

DiLuxol™ is also a staining tanning two or single bath developer but with the emphasis on delicate tonal graduation and fine grain without undue sacrifice of sharpness and definition compared to ordinary developers. It is believed to give the finest grain of any developer yielding normal film speeds. A special version of the developer, DiLuxol Vitesse™ has quite remarkable speed enhancing properties.

Whichever developer is selected, the processed film is always accompanied by two contact sheets. One, used as a control, is always what is known as the ‘proper proof’ to enable accurate assessment of accuracy of exposure and development to Zone system principles. The second is adjusted to allow the easiest viewing of varying exposure negatives and different subject brightness ranges. Negatives are returned in archival polyester sleeves, and it goes without saying that processing is to archival standards. It can include selenium or gold toning where appropriate. All films receive a wash in distilled (not purified or deionised) water and antistatic solution.

While some photographers want to achieve an empathetic working relationship with a fine printer to allow them to concentrate purely on composing and taking, others really want to learn to be able to undertake he whole cycle from composing to printing and finishing themselves. Too many find themselves disappointed when they look at their pictures and know that, with just a little practical guidance, they could recognise and overcome the preventing the realisation of deeply satisfying glowing rich luminescent prints. This is not just a technical satisfaction, but the release of visualisation and aesthetic growth that allow artistic fulfilment. Achieving such technical fluency usually takes decades. Now you can cut short that long, and often costly and frustrating, process by taking advantage of friendly supportive one-to-one coaching with Barry Thornton. Naturally this is adjusted to starting expertise of the photographer, from complete novice to experienced expert, and it can be at the Fine Print Photographer’s Workshop and locality, or in your own premises or area.

Naturally prices for such a supreme quality service are not cheap, but they are fine value and a true investment. They are listed in this leaflet. For those photographers who have a larger project – an exhibition, portfolio or distinction panel for instance – it is usually far more economical to obtain a quote for working on a tome and materials basis after an initial discussion on the underlying aims and feeling of the project.

Sorry but Barry is unable to undertake any further work at this time

Printing Price List