I'd like to start experimenting with printing Black $ White images. This will be a long process since I don't want to sale images until I've become much more proficient with digital printing but I'd like to start looking at different papers to use.
What I like as far as personal taste in B & W are images with high contrast that have a real luminosity feel to them, if that makes sense. So I think one thing would be a real bright white paper to begin with. With that in mind does anyone have any suggestions I can start with? Thanks, Randy
Also, didn't NPN start up a B & W discussion forum? I thought I remember talk of that but didn't see anythig listed on the front page.
The first question you need to ask is do you want a traditional glossy/semi-glossy RC-type paper or a matte/art paper? RC-type papers have greater dynamic range, so if you're after high contrast this may be the direction you want to look.
The B/W forum was 'consolidated' due to lack of interest.
To add a little to Michael's posting - higher measured dynamic range doesn't always mean an image will look more contrasty or appealing. Coated papers (glossy/semi-glossy) also reflect light which in many situations make it hard to get an even view of the entire print, while matte papers may offer a better viewing experience under many conditions. Imagine the difference between a black polished car hood and a black thick velvet garment. While the car hood may be measurably "blacker", it's probably not the look you want for drapes or clothing.
Rather than go by the numbers, I would suggest doing side-by-side comparisons. Many professional labs will offer you free paper/ink samples to compare before deciding - get a few and see for yourself.
I recently tested several papers and discovered I like Moab Entrada Natural 190 gsm the best for BW. It seems to be every bit as nice as some of the higher priced paper, at least to my untrained eye. Still not cheap, but certainly not the most expensive either, and it looks great.
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4 repliesI'd like to start experimenting with printing Black $ White images. This will be a long process since I don't want to sale images until I've become much more proficient with digital printing but I'd like to start looking at different papers to use.
What I like as far as personal taste in B & W are images with high contrast that have a real luminosity feel to them, if that makes sense. So I think one thing would be a real bright white paper to begin with. With that in mind does anyone have any suggestions I can start with? Thanks, Randy
Also, didn't NPN start up a B & W discussion forum? I thought I remember talk of that but didn't see anythig listed on the front page.
The B/W forum was 'consolidated' due to lack of interest.
Rather than go by the numbers, I would suggest doing side-by-side comparisons. Many professional labs will offer you free paper/ink samples to compare before deciding - get a few and see for yourself.
Guy