Well, I'm about to purchase my first photo printer - a Canon PIXMA Pro 9000 (I'd have it already, but Micro-center needs to re-stock). I don't want to debate my choice or anything like that - it's just a hobby, so I don't have any sales concerns, archival concerns, etc. Instead, I was wondering if anyone would like to throw out some suggestions for :
1) Favorite papers to try for B&W, vs Portrait, vs Color (keeping in mind the Dye ink of the printer). Or any other categories you like for particular papers.
2) Any good books that are guides to printing - what to look for in a good print, how to recognize when things are off, etc. I'm pretty new to photography, and don't have any experience analyzing prints. Basically, I was thinking of how to avoid liking something right off the printer - but deciding later that I wish it were more saturated, or cleaner, or had better shadow detail, etc. (Of course, I can always print it again now. :)
1. Hahnemuhle Fine Art Pearl is a great paper for all 3 and is compatible with dye printers. Really though this comes down to personal preference of various surface types.
2. I'm not familiar with any books on the subject but really - print to satisfy yourself first. If you like the results, that's the most important factor. So much of art appreciation is subjective that any guidelines here will be questionable. My best suggestion is to look at other photographers' prints and decide if there are things about them you like and may want to apply to your own work and go from there.
My favorite paper is Hahnemuhle Fine Art Pearl. The new Photorag Pearl is even better imo although am still using pearl profles.
Tim Grey has a book which has lot of explanation about printing, also there is a lot of help available online.
David, if you do, I suggest you buy a pack of the smallest size available, as well as the size you plan to ultimately print to. You can use the smaller sheets for proofing since it's a fairly expensive paper.
Ilford Pearl is my favorite. There are two varieties; one for dye ink and one for pigment ink and dye ink. Definitely get some 4X6 to burn while you are learning your printer.
The printer actually comes with a 20 sheet variety pack of the 13"x19" Canon Fine Art papers....I figure that gives me just enough to screw up before I figure out what I'm doing. Unfortunately, those don't seem to come in anything smaller than 8.5x11.
I'll definitely try to get 4x6's for other papers.
I use the Canon paper Photo Paper Pro, quite happy with it as a glossy paper. I normally give it a light spray of Lyson print guard which tones down the gloss a little and also makes the print more water resistant.
Discussion
7 replies1) Favorite papers to try for B&W, vs Portrait, vs Color (keeping in mind the Dye ink of the printer). Or any other categories you like for particular papers.
2) Any good books that are guides to printing - what to look for in a good print, how to recognize when things are off, etc. I'm pretty new to photography, and don't have any experience analyzing prints. Basically, I was thinking of how to avoid liking something right off the printer - but deciding later that I wish it were more saturated, or cleaner, or had better shadow detail, etc. (Of course, I can always print it again now. :)
Thanks for any input.
Dave
2. I'm not familiar with any books on the subject but really - print to satisfy yourself first. If you like the results, that's the most important factor. So much of art appreciation is subjective that any guidelines here will be questionable. My best suggestion is to look at other photographers' prints and decide if there are things about them you like and may want to apply to your own work and go from there.
Guy
Tim Grey has a book which has lot of explanation about printing, also there is a lot of help available online.
Guy
I'll definitely try to get 4x6's for other papers.