What are photographic proofs?

Answer 1

a) individual photographs that are printed (usually smaller than what the final size is intended to be) where color correction, density, cropping and other aesthetic concerns have not been addressed. Their purpose is to choose from a wide selection of images for the purpose of creating a photo package such as for a graduation or wedding. Often, they are "watermarked" for the purpose of preventing copying. The final printing is supposed to take care of all the needed 'corrections'.

b) some darkroom enthusiasts might refer to a contact sheet , which is usually several strips of film exposed on photographic paper, as a proof sheet. These are not really proofs as they are only the same size as the film. While they may aid in determining which negatives to print (or not), the images are usually too small to provide the same level of discernment as actual proofs do.