Projection printing is the process of making positive prints by projecting the negative image onto photosensitive paper. The projected image may be enlarged the same size as the negative image or reduced in size. When the print images are larger than the negative images, the process is called enlarging. When the print images are smaller than the negative images, the process is called reducing. Because projection printing is usually used to make positive prints with images larger than the negative, projection printers are referred to as enlargers. The term enlarging generally refers to all forms of projection printing.

Projection printing differs from contact printing because the negative is separated from the paper, and the image is projected by a lens onto the sensitized material The negative is placed between an enclosed light source and a lens. The lens receives the light that passed through the negative and projects the image onto the paper. Changing the distance between the lens and the paper controls the size of the image. The image is focused on the paper by adjusting the distance between the negative and the lens. You can enlarge or reduce the size of the projected image by changing and adjusting these distances.

Enlarging is a very adaptable and versatile process, because considerable image and exposure control can be used. The main advantage of enlarging over contact printing is large prints can be made, but there are several other important advantages. The advantages of projection printing are as follows:

Cropping or selecting the main area of interest in a negative can be enlarged to any suitable size. This provides an opportunity for you to eliminate unwanted and distracting elements from around the point of interest of the picture.

Dodging or burning in. This allows you to apply local exposure control to bring out more detail in the highlight and shadow areas.

Local fogging with a small external light, such as a penlight, to darken selected areas; for example, by darkening the background of a portrait, you direct the viewer's attention to the face.

Special effects can be performed, such as changing the appearance of the image by use of diffusers or patterns between the lens and paper.

Image distortion correction or introduction can be done by tilting the enlarger easel. (An easel is the device used to hold the paper during exposure.)

Figure 11-7. Basic enlarger.