INTRODUCTION OF SKIES.
The advantages of a pleasing sky are obvious, while the disadvantages of a blank sky need not be pointed out. The first thing is to decide as to the cloud effect desired, but if the picture has al ready been printed in the small size—as it should have been--the matter is easy. If the small print should have been done in bromide, a knowledge of the propor tionate exposure will have been gained also. This is essential, as upon it de pends whether the clouds are printed to the right depth. The general fault in this work is that the clouds are printed too darkly and heavily. The usual method of procedure is as follows: The enlargement of the landscape or seascape is exposed in the usual manner, except that the sky shaded with a card suitably cut so as to give a clean sky to work upon. If, however, the sky includes ships' masts, or similar things, they must of course not be covered, but the sky blocked out on the negative. In any case, even when the sky portion is sufficiently denQe, care must be taken that there are no pinholes. The sensitive paper is now taken down—its position on the easel and the portion printed having been carefully marked— and sonic indication made as to which is the top, so that it may be put up again in correct position. Sometimes it is more
instead of removing the bromide paper, to cover it with a sheet of opaque white paper, upon which the new image should be focussed. The cloud negative is now inserted in the carrier in place of the landscape nega tive. This need not be the same size, although, of course, it simplifies matters if it is, as no readjustment of the apparatus is necessary. In any case an image of the proper size must be projected, but need not be quite sharp ; as, if so, the mechanical defects of the cloud negative will be made apparent. The bromide paper is then replaced in proper position, which may be seen by the light admitted through the ruby or orange cap. Where the light is dim it will be found best to mark the position by means of pins. Convenient pins for bromide work are shown by Figs. -141 and 442. They can be purchased of most dealers, or an efficient substitute may be made by inserting small needles in short portions of a penholder.