The Graduate.
Any questions in regard to photograph matters will be willingly answered by the Editor of this column, and we should be glad to hear from any of our club who can make helpful suggestions.
MARKING NEGATIVES.
It is sometimes desirable to have the name of a picture marked on the negative so that it may appear in the finished print. This may be done in several ways. One of the simplest is to write the name backwards in India ink on the film side of the negative. This should be done with a fine drawing-pen, and the lettering made in one of the lower corners. As the title appears white in the finished print the writing should be done where the glass is clear or in the deepest shadows.
To have the name appear in black on the print, take a fine steel needle, and having first marked the letters lightly with a pencil, scratch the letters through the film to the clear glass. Make the edges smooth, and see that the lines of the letters are perfect, as every imperfection in the lettering appears in the print.
One should always put his initials on a good negative. They can be put on either in India ink or scratched through the film.
If one does not wish to write the name on the negative it can be written on the sensitive paper before the print is made. India ink is to be preferred, but good black ink will do. The ink will wash off in the toning solution, leaving the name clear and distinct on the print.