Scaling artwork

Finishing Prints, Continued Scaling artwork Scaling is a term used for calculating dimensions for the reduction or enlargement of an entire given image. The entire image is proportionately enlarged or reduced. The most common methods of scaling outside of a darkroom are the diagonal line method and the scaling wheel, which is often called a proportional scale. Scaling images If you have a negative to print images from, scaling is easily accomplished in in the the darkroom as part of the projection and exposure process. It is simply a darkroom matter of selecting the finished size of the print and projecting the image to that size on the print frame before exposure. An advantage of scaling images in the darkroom is that grain and resolution enlarges or reduces proportionately. The disadvantage is not seeing the final scaled image before developing the print. The diagonal line method and the proportional scale are used for scaling hard-copy images outside of the darkroom. Detailed explanations of both methods are found in DM Volume 4, chapter 1. If possible, you should mount the photograph to a solid backing, such as a piece of cardstock. An advantage in scaling artwork from prints is that as images are reduced, so are details. A disadvantage is that flaws are magnified in enlargements. Indicate the enlargement or reduction of images on the border around a print or on an overlay on the photograph. Enlargements and reductions may be indicated in percentages or in ratios. Figure 7-23 illustrates examples of scaling percentages and ratios. Scaling images outside of the darkroom Marking enlargement or reduction on a print Figure 7-23.—Indicating scale: A. Percentages; B, Ratios. 7-45