Print Black & White Like a Pro - TDS Photo Podcast

The Digital Story Photography Podcast

This is The Digital Story Podcast #963, Sept. 3, 2024. Today's theme is "Print Black & White Like a Pro." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Seeing a gorgeous black-and-white print emerge from your inkjet printer will make you fall in love with photography all over again. And you don't have to spend a $1,000 on a fine art printer to experience this. In fact, by following the tips in today's podcast, you can get your Ansel Adams on with gear you already own. All of this, and more, on this week's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Digital Photography Podcast 963

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Print Black & White Like a Pro

I'm going to divide this discussion into three major parts: your inkjet printer, paper, and computer settings.

Printer

• Best if you have at least one gray ink to accompany your black ink.
• You can let the printer"manage" the colors. ICC profiles not required.
• Newer printers have excellent driver software.
• Pro models may have Advanced B&W Settings.
• Consumer models may have a slimmed-down version of B&W settings.
• I'm getting excellent output from a Canon G620 tank model with one gray.

Paper

• I use Red River paper.
• The type of stock you choose is very important.
• The white of your paper will be the white of your photo.
• Cool Tone Paper: Arctic Polar Luster, UltraPro Satin/Gloss, Polar Matte.
• Warm Paper: Palo Duro Satin, Aurora Art Natural, Blanco Matte Canvas.
• Glossy and Satin papers can achieve deeper blacks than Matte surfaces.

Computer and Software

• Dim your monitor to 50 percent when editing images for printing.
• Make a virtual copy of your master and label it. eg. 5"x7" satin print.
• Crop your virtual copy to the paper dimensions that you're going to use.
• Experiment with B&W presets, Silver Efex Pro, and DxO Film Pack.
• Selecting proper Media Type is critical: luster, glossy, matte, etc.
• Use "Best" quality setting for final print.
• Let prints dry down for 10 minutes before making any judgements.

I recommend that when you get a print you like, note all the settings you used on the back of the print and keep it in your paper box. That way you'll have a great starting point for that surface the next time you print.

Canon PRO-1100 17-Inch Printer Promises Richer Blacks and Blues

You can read the entire story on PetaPixel.com.

Can Photography Competitions Help You Progress as a Photographer?

You can read the entire story on FStoppers.com.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at [e-mail].

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.