Blue Toning Your Photographs

Blue toning is applied to black and white images to give them a cool feel. Blue toning uses iron to replace the original silver of the image. To make this change is very simple.

The only additional tools beyond your standard darkroom equipment is the toning solution, and an extra tray for application. Each manufacturer has slightly different requirements for the use of their toner so you will need to follow the instructions carefully when preparing the toner for use.

Basic Steps

• Develop your print as normal but slightly lighter than desired
• Immerse your still wet print in the toner solution
• Move the print to the stop bath (diluted per your toner's instructions) when it is as blue as you want it
• Wash the print as you would normally do
• Dry the print as normal (avoiding heat drying methods)

As with any darkroom technique, getting the desired result takes a little practice but blue toning is a very simple technique to begin your darkroom experimentations with.