A couple of years ago Epson released a new generation of printers. These printers use Ultrachrome K3 inks. The K3 ink-set consists of Yellow, Cyan, Light Cyan, Magenta, Light Magenta, Black (either Matte or Photo,) Light Black, and Light Light Black. This last year they released another set of printers which are identical to the K3 ink-set except for a new recipe for the Magenta and Light Magenta inks. Integrated into the standard Epson K3 print drivers is the "Advanced B&W Photo" dialog box that enables photographers to make great looking B&W prints without downloading special printer software or switching ink-sets. In typical Epson style this dialog box is well hidden within the "normal" printer dialog boxes.

 To find the B&W dialog box go to: file-print, and call up the printer settings dialog box for your K3 Epson printer. On the "Main" tab click on the "Custom" then on the "Advanced" tabs.  A new dialog box will appear. Under "Media Type" you must select a high quality photo paper like Premium Luster, or Enhanced Matte paper. Right under the "Media Type" is "Color" using the pull-down selection select "Advanced B&W Photo." You will now notice a new set of printer controls that appear on the right side of the dialog box. Before you go there select your "Print Quality" to the highest possible setting "Super Photo 2880," and turn off the "High Speed" selection.  On the Printer Color Management side of the dialog box you will notice several settings. The first one is "Color Toning, you can select one of the four pre-set tones that are offered there, or you can mix your own tone using the palette on the far right side of the dialog box. Remember to make a note of any custom color settings that you select because the next time you open the printer dialog box it will default to the original settings. The "Tone" selection defaults to "Darker", make sure you change this to "Normal" otherwise your print will appear too dark in the final print-out (the only reason I can think that Epson would program this setting is to use more ink.) The rest of the controls I usually do not adjust, instead I prefer do all of my print prep in Photoshop and not change brightness, density or contrast in the printer controls. You can now hit the print button and send the image file to the printer.

 While not easy to find, these new print drivers make B&W printing much easier. Some photographers still prefer to use special B&W ink sets that use a mix of up to seven black inks to create highly detailed and rich B&W prints. The leader in this field is Cone Editions with their Piezography process. You can find out more about their process and services at: http://www.coneeditions.com/.  For more information about the Epson K3 inks and printers go to: http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/ProImaging/ProImagingHome.do.  For information on my B&W printing workshop go to: http://www.coldsnap.com/workshops/w_print.htm.

Wishing you Happy and Productive Printing.

John

Black & White Fine Art Digital Printing

January 30--February 3, 2008

 

3 spots left!

For the digital or film photographer: Weather you miss the good old days (and nights) working under the dim red lights of a chemical darkroom, or are new to B&W photography, this workshop will instruct you in the latest techniques for B&W conversion of your digital files or scanned negatives. We will use Photoshop CS3 to prepare the image for print. Techniques in Photoshop will include: burning and dodging using layers, monochrome conversion, contrast control, masks and much more. We will look at output in various media, including how to get consistent and rich B&W prints. You will be able to practice all of the techniques on your own images, and will leave the workshop with finished prints.

Our digital classroom has individual computer workstations that are networked to the latest Epson K-3 printers. Learn how to use the tools you need to create your own digital darkroom at home. Class is limited to 6 students.

For more information call us at (218) 834-0756 or email john@coldsnap.com. Payment can be made in full or a non-refundable deposit of $400.00 will confirm your registration until 4 weeks prior to the workshop.

Tuition: $895.00, (includes lab fees, ink and paper. Does not include room and board.)

Location: Waterfront Gallery, Two Harbors MN