Dubrovnik in Black and White

Was in the darkroom all day yesterday.  I did switch to 8x10s to save money.   I developed 8 different images, and there are one or two that I really like.  However, as I viewed them later, I'm thinking that maybe something is still not quite right.  I am going to double check a few things:  1) my safe light and 2) check my paper for starters.  I feel like they're still just a tad muddy.  I had my #1 critic, my husband, come and look at them.  Of course, he said he didn't think they looked muddy.  Maybe I just haven't had an image with a lot of contrast - ??  I should try an image with both whites and blacks in it that seem to stand out.

I went online and you can find some great info from teachers, Freestyle Photo, Ilford web pages with step by step instructions and/or trouble shooting information.  Printed out a few of those.  Then looked into some of my photography books - and heck! Mine seem okay.  So what am I worried about?  I will do some trouble shooting before I do more printing, however, just for the 'my' record.  I'll scan in my favorite image from yesterday and share it here.

This image was taken at a little art shop that we came across as we took the walk along the top of the wall in the walled city of Dubrovnik (and we only walked half way around as it was very hot that day).  Those are either grape leaves or some other large leafed plant growing along the top of the building while providing some shade.  It was just a quaint little shop.

Today I worked at High Hand Gallery.  It was the second day of our re-hang.  Yesterday the walls were painted by the gallery members.  It was my turn to go in today and help.  Arriving at noon and four hours later I was bushed and actually every one else left and went home.  Long day!