What Is Sepia Toning?
Sepia toning is specialized photographic process designed to produce images that have a tint of light to medium brown in them. When they are produced in a traditional darkroom, this process would not only change the appearance of the final print, but would also extend its archival qualities as a result of the chemicals used in the process. There are a number of different ways a sepia print can be created, and the intensity of the coloration can also be varied to suit the individual's personal preference.
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Filters
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Filters are probably the easiest way to create a sepia-toned photograph. Just about all lenses used with single lens-reflex (SLR) cameras, both digital and film, can have a filter mounted to the front of the lens. If your lens does not allow filters to be mounted, you can hold the filter directly in front of the lens when the picture is being taken. Sepia filters come in a very light tint all the way through to a vary a dark tint. When using sepia filters with film cameras, make sure you tell the lab who is processing the pictures that a sepia filter was used, and that no color correction should be done when the pictures are printed.
Darkroom
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If you are developing and printing your own pictures at home in a traditional darkroom, to create a sepia print you start with a completed black and white print. You then soak the print in a photographic bleach bath, gently agitating the tray until the silver in the print is converted. Then, using the sepia toning solution, tone the print, wash the print in a fresh water bath and allow to dry thoroughly. Make sure the darkroom you are working in is well ventilated, as the bleach has very strong fumes. Follow directions on the chemical bottles for the specific mixing measurements.
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Alternative Printing
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While they may not turn out to be perfect sepia prints, another approach is to have black and white negatives printed on color paper. The final prints may have more of a reddish tint than brown; however, with some adjustment in the printing process you may get a result you are pleased with. Again, notify the lab of the effect you are trying to achieve.
Digital - In Camera
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Many digital cameras have built-in digital effect filters. Access you camera's menu to see if your camera has a built-in filter. Depending on the make and model of your camera, the filter may be in menu titled "special effects," "filters" or something similar. You can also refer to your owner's manual or contact the store you purchased it from for assistance.
Digital - Photo Editing Software
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Most photo editing software, from the simplest to the most advanced, includes options for adjusting color and adding digital effects to your work. If your program has the "sepia filter" effect, add and adjust as per your program to achieve the desired effect.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit sepia colored old trees photographed from below in a forest area image by SZILAGYI ANNAMARIA from Fotolia.com
