Nice intro, Ryan. I assume you're using RC papers, from the short hypo clearing time you gave. I'll add a couple of comments. Different papers can respond very differently to selenium (and other toners). Dilution, toning speed, time/temp can all affect the result; even the printer developer can affect it, though two untoned prints developed in different developers might appear identical. For instance, Ilford Warmtone fiber base, in 1:19 selenium at about 68 F, shows only a slight change in the lower middle values until several minutes have passed. Fomatone, another warm-tone paper fiber paper, tones so fast at 1:19 that I use 1:80 (!) to have better control, and still rarely go beyond 2.5 minutes, unless a very full toning is desired. (If so, with the Ilford, I might use 1:9 or even a lower dilution to spend less time per print.) Most papers today are variable contrast, using a high-contrast and a low-contrast emulsion, which typically tone at different rates. This can produce a print with far more toning effect in the lower values. The result can be a print with two "colors", an effect the artist may or may not find desirable, depending on subject, extent, and tonal distribution.
Yeah it’s pretty strong, especially at 1:4. I try to use it outside if I can. I’ve never had cause to really investigate sepia toning or split toning in my own work, but there may come a time! I’ll post a video if that happens
