An easel is a device used in darkroom printing to hold photographic paper flat and steady during exposure under an enlarger. Most easels feature an adjustable metal mask that frames the image area, allowing the photographer to precisely control the size and borders of the print.
Using an easel ensures sharp, well-aligned prints and helps maintain consistent composition across multiple copies. It is an essential tool in traditional darkroom work, providing both accuracy and flexibility when producing high-quality photographic prints.