Pulling is a photographic technique in which the normal ISO speed of a film is deliberately lowered, causing the film to be overexposed during shooting. The resulting latent image is then developed for a shorter time or at a lower temperature to compensate, producing a final negative with reduced contrast and softer tonal rendition.
Pulling is often used creatively to control highlight detail, soften shadows, or achieve a specific artistic effect. It is an essential technique in both black-and-white and colour film photography, offering photographers nuanced control over exposure and image aesthetics.