[Tex/LaTex] LaTeX inserts blank page between figures

Question

I am writing a relatively long text in LaTeX. At some points I need to include a bunch of large figers (2 figures per page, no text) using \figure and \includegraphics.
In order to avoid pages with only one figure, I use [H] / [P] placement specifier. The problem is that LaTeX for some reason puts a blank page between the pages with figures.

I end up with something like: text page – page with 2 figures – blank page – page with 2 figures.

Answer 1

You didn't provide a minimal example, so it's hard to say what exactly is going on. However, if you simply want "to avoid pages with only one figure", put the two \includegraphics macros inside one figure environment (and add some vertical space with \vspace{floatsep}).

EDIT: Contrary to Mico's assertion, it is possible to create separate cross-references to the graphics inside figure -- see my updated example.

\documentclass{article}

\usepackage{lipsum}

\begin{document}

\lipsum[1]

A cross-reference to figures~\ref{first}  and~\ref{second}.

\begin{figure}
\centering

\rule{1cm}{8cm}% placeholder for graphics
\caption{First}\label{first}

\vspace{\floatsep}

\rule{1cm}{8cm}% placeholder for graphics
\caption{Second}\label{second}
\end{figure}

\end{document}