Obtaining Color Prints that "Pop"

I am getting back into darkroom work as a hobby, and I remember the
last time I printed (about 10 years ago), my color prints from
negatives didn't have the "pop" that came from professional photo
finishers. I ran a number of tests with sample negatives printing them
both at home and having professional photo finishers print them, and
the difference was substantial. To me, the largest thing I could
idntify was a lack of contrast in my color prints (from negatives).

What can I do to generate that "pop" in my color printing? Making sure
the enlarger is alligned, no light leaks, and the lens is good
(Schneider Componon-S) helps, but I wonder if it is in my chemistry???

Any ideas would be much appreciated.

Thanks so much.

John

In article ,
(John) wrote:\\

What can I do to generate that "pop" in my color printing? Making sure
the enlarger is alligned, no light leaks, and the lens is good
(Schneider Componon-S) helps, but I wonder if it is in my chemistry???

It could be always be your chemistry, I use Kodak RA4 exclusively. I use Kodak
color papers exclusively. That stated Ciba prints have a much higher saturation
if the original was a slide. RA as Mike states can also be more saturated by using
a more contrasty paper. Endura comes in three "grades" Portra, Supra, Ultima
they are order of less to more contrast.

Using a acid stop between the developer and Blix will also help keep your
colors clean.
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