The primary advantage of the Matrix is that one can develop an intuitive feel for both the negative and the print as well as the results of various processes and materials.  Negatives should be laid out on a light table such that one axis represents increasing exposure and the other increasing development.  Prints should be arranged in the same orientation on an opaque background with good frontal illumination (similar to display illumination).

• Study the "normal" print.
               Note: Remember "normal" only means the print closest to that desired which matches
                          the original seeing and feeling.)
               Note: Studying should include individual values as well as combined effects of values.
 
• Study the corresponding negative.

 
• Study the surrounding prints to learn how changes in exposure and development of the negative result in the print. (If the "normal" print is not surrounded by other prints, then the matrix should be expanded to include those examples.)

 
• Study the negatives that produced the surrounding prints.

 
• Photograph and study prints and negatives from various subjects.

 
• Repeat these steps until the feeling for how a print and negative look becomes second nature.

 
This technique can be used to gain control over materials and processes to most accurately create the statement one wishes to make. Before the camera is set up, one can know what materials and processes, exposure and development will produce results closest to those desired.
 

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