Response to Paper and Developer - Establishing my style

I'm with E.L. Keep It Simple. I would say pick a variable contrast RC paper (and since you say you like cold tone I'd suggest good ole Ilford MG IV for starters) and print a few of your negatives... then print a few more. While you're in the Ilford store pick up some Multigrade developer and Hypam Fixer and away you go. I can't imagine starting your printing with a 5min developer step! That will drive you nuts! I've used Dektol (1:1 and 1:2) but can't tell any difference between them and the Ilford stuff. The Ilford's just easier to store rather than mixing up powder Dektol into stock solution. Tone the finished prints (the keepers) in Kodak Selenium Toner and enjoy. When you've got control of the finer detail od burning and dodgeing, switch to a FB paper and experiment with your developer to get the result you are trying to obtain.

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