Solarization!

(Also known as Sabattier)

The Sabattier effect produces a narrow line or rim of low density called a Mackie
line, between adjacent highlight and shadow areas. The Mackie line occurs because there
is always an increased concentration of bromide ions in the emulsion at the boundary
separating a completely developed area from one thats just developing. The bromide
along these boundaries greatly retards development, forming a more or less clear line.
When this negative is printed, the Mackie line will appear as a black outline around the
full image contours of the print. The Mackie line is not very evident when the Sabattier
effect is applied to enlarging paper.
In other words Solarization is the process used to make your picture have
highlights that look awesome.
Here is how to solarize your print:
1. Set up one enlarger, with the aperture set to the brightest setting and the light
(large enough to cover your finish print).
2. Set the time on that enlarger for one second
3. Set up another enlarger with your negative to make a print, as usual
4. Make a test strip from your negative as usual.
5. Subtract 2-3 seconds from your best exposure time.
6. Expose your print.
7. Develop your paper for 10 seconds.
8. Grab a tray from a shelf above the chemical trays and place your underdeveloped
paper in it.
9. Place it on the base of the first enlarger and start the timer. (Flashing a second of
light on to the print.)
10. Put it into the developer for 35 seconds and do everything else as normal.

Solarization can not be predicted! ...But I have found

that negatives with a lot of contrast do much better in showing highlights. (Example:
Trees, Sky: cloudy, and mountains.)
By: Tony Wirta