Perfect B&W Prints from Digital Files

I'll start with Exposure. Previously I've experimented with different methods for converting RGB digital files to monochrome for B&W printing. I've tried Photoshop's Channel Mixer, Hue/Saturation, and its other standard adjustment tools. I've also looked at plug-ins designed specifically for this task, such as The Image Factory's Convert to B/W Pro. Not until I discovered Alien Skin's Exposure did I find the software that enabled me to produce the B&W look that once emerged from chemical trays. Exposure not only excels at converting RGB files to B&W, it provides presets for our favorite film stocks from the emulsion days. I can choose among Kodak Tri-X, T-Max, Ilford Delta, HP5, Fuji Neopan, and more.

Exposure isn't only for B&W work. It also provides color presets for emulsions such as Kodachrome and Velvia. I tested its output and the color results were equally outstanding. But for the moment, my sights are set on B&W. And even though Exposure costs a hefty $199, I think you could justify the price for your B&W prints alone. How much did you spend for your last memory card?

Photoshop Elements users should take note. Elements has far fewer adjustment tools. For example, there's no Channel Mixer for controlling monochrome conversion. But Elements does accept standard Photoshop plug-ins. So you can supercharge Element's image handling capabilities with Exposure, and still save the expense of having to purchase the full blown CS2 version of Photoshop.

Once you have the image the way you want on your computer monitor, it's time to think about output. I spent a lot of time at the recent PMA show in Orlando FL comparing printers from Epson, HP, and Canon. After follow-up research, I chose the Epson R2400 fine art printer. The deciding factors for me were: great B&W output, outstanding archival quality (100 years plus), large print capability via the top load feeder (13" x 19"), and downloadable custom ICC printer profiles.

The new UltraChrome K3 inks are the foundation for the R2400's exceptional B&W output. Of the eight ink cartridges featured in the printer, three of them are black: black, light black and the introduction of light, light black. Combined with the print driver's Advanced B&W Photo mode and the custom ICC profiles for the various fine art papers available, you have incredible B&W printing power.

As with the Exposure software, you pay for this quality. Prices for the Epson R2400 range from $800 - $850 (that includes a full set of K3 ink cartridges), plus $14 per cartridge for replacements. The Epson printer, as well as the Exposure software, works equally well on Mac and Windows platforms.

Once you have all of your tools in place, the workflow is simple. Open your digital image in Photoshop, apply your basic image edits such as cropping, then enable the Exposure filter. Set up the print job using Epson's Advanced B&W Photo mode in Photoshop's print dialog box, and print. I think you'll find the results very satisfying.