If you know before you take a photo that want it to be high contrast is there any difference between pushing film to get extra contrast Vs just adding it in post?
Aside from extra grain
True, I suppose your stuck with high contrast if you push the film.Not something I've considered, but off the top of my head I could see possible problems with a darkroom print simply because the paper has such a relatively small range of tonal values. With a scanned and digitally printed print, the possible problem I can see is if the density goes beyond the reach of your scanner to scan.
In theory, increasing development for darkroom printing should be a better way to go, as it gives you the option of using a harder grade of paper (or the equivalent with multigrade filters) to increase the contrast more.
I await with interest comments from people who've tried this - I've never intentionally modified my development times because my style of photography and subjects haven't need it (yet).
Interesting, never heard of that. I’ve done a bit of darkroom printing before with 35mm. I liked it but I’m glad I’m around in a time where it’s not the only option!That's not strictly true - there are reducers that you can use to compensate for over exposed or over developed negatives. They come in two types, those that "shave off" the same amount from highlights and shadows, and those that work proportionally which would reduce contrast. I suspect that they may not be easily found these days.
In passing, the reverse is also possible with intensifiers; a popular one when I was young was uranium intensifier, sold made up. That is probably even more difficult to source now.