Density range

Density Range
Density Range measures the difference between an image's minimum density (highlights) and maximum density (shadows) on a film negative, film positive (slide/transparency) or a photographic print.
depth of field ...

Density range: Difference in density between the minimum and maximum density of an image. Density range is the difference in density reading from the shadow area to the highlight area on a film negative, film positive or printed sheet.

Although image density ranges from pure white to pure black, no detail can be seen in those areas. As you progress from pure white into slightly darker areas, detail emerges.

These response curves enable the density range of the imagery to be altered, so the density range of the final product conforms closely to the desired density range (1.00).

If you understand the science of photography, you know the importance of the density range of films and printing papers. The more tones the film or print can potentially show, the more realistic the image will look.

(*) Here the analogy with film applies. For instance, positive (slide) film has a wider density range but less exposure latitude, while negative film, has a narrow density range, but more exposure latitude.

tone compression
a reduction in the density range of photographic material in order to match printing conditions, and improve reproducibility.
tone/line conversion
refer to line conversion.

-Masking is a system of controlling negative density ranges or color saturation through the use of unsharp masks.

HIGH CONTRAST - An image that is high in contrast (as opposed to a "flat" image), wherein the negative, slide or print contains a wide density range.

A computer printer's tonal output depends on the number of inks used and the paper on which it is printed. Similarly, the density range of a traditional photographic print depends on the processes used as well as the paper characteristics.

A set of such solarized masks, corresponding to a different color filter for each density range, is then used to make a posterized color print. The print is posterized in terms of colors, not densities.

See also: Density, Film, Highlight, Exposure, Contrast