Digital BW, The Print

Hello All, 

Since I started this thread about the recent issue of Black & White Magazine, I would like to add a few items in consideration of where this thread has gone...

1.  I think it is a valid issue for us to discuss on this forum as we are all interested in Digital B&W printing. 

2.  As a forum of some number (hundreds?) of users and afficianados of Digital B&W we do have a voice...but a voice that may not be heard by the Editor or public. 

3.  As a forum and internet community we have "communications" on our side. In other words through our medium of communication, we can reach those "hundreds or thousands" quickly and efficiently on such a timely subject. 

4.  I don't want my earlier message to you all to fall under the class of "mis-quoted" so I will quote the Editor directly below.  See the "real" quotes and make your own decisions.   As the quotes come from an entire page in the mag devoted to the editors opinion....I only quote excerpts. So to be fair, go borrow or buy the mag and read it in context for yourself.

5.  Since many may feel it is worthy to communicate their opinion to the Editor, I am including his address and other contact information for your use.  

6.  Since this "issue" may be a very good opportunity for a community of digital B&W printers/photographers to have their "voice" heard....I am suggesting to you that you should communicate your opinion to the Editor, whether by email, phone, or even a real letter (and stamp...hey it only costs $.32 to make a real impression) and thereby let him see that there are some serious photographers out there who suggest he reconsider his position (editorial at least) on the digital B&W subject.   I suggest a written letter on real paper as the possibility of dozens, hundreds, or more real letters does get attention in ways that hundreds of emails won't....think of your own experience...most people easily filter and discard emails...but a real personal letter from an individual does stick out and get noticed and remembered! 

So...if you are passionate about your craft, your art, your images, and your future use of digital processes...then let your voice be heard...not on this forum but instead with a magazine that is widely respected for its content and focus on B&W photography.   I do suggest that you convey your opinion in a professional manner though.  

Contact Information: 

Henry Rasmussen 
Publisher & Editor
Black & White Magazine
1789 Lyn Road
Arroyo Grande , CA 93420 

Phone:  (805) 474-6633
Email:  bnwmagag@...


QUOTE from page 7 "Opening Shot"  (The editors opinion page)

"...we will not widen our editorial scope to include Digital Photography....I will not be shy about expressing an opinion that keeps me in the Conventional fold:  in that the age-old conflict between change and constancy, Digital represents an element of modern technology while Conventional represents craftsmanship." 

"It does however present a contrast when it comes to the method of reproduction: Digital utilizes a machine, much like a printing press, that places the output on par with an etching, a lithograph, a poster---works of art that do not qualify as a one-off."  

Well, there is more of course...and yes...these quotes above are "out of context" if you will...so if you want to read the whole page of his message...go buy the mag (that should make him happy). 

ABOUT CONTRADICTIONS:  

On another point, I mentioned at least one of the photographers had been profiled and quoted about his use of special processes in production...and emphasis was made that this was important.  That profile (the mag calls that section "Spotlight") is found on page 120 and I do quote (from the mag) again here: 

"Critical to the vision, power, and beauty of Bowman's photograhs is the unique and very specialized darkroom processing technique he employs for all his printing.  Favoring bold, high contrast prints, he uses 'lith' developer, which produces very dark blacks bright highlighted whites and emphasizes the chiascuro that seems to envelope his models in a cloak of deep sensuality."  

"The images I had in my head didn't come into play until I was introduced to lith printing" explains Bowman."

On the same page at the end of the article it states: 

"Print Information:  All are Giclee prints on 22x30 inches Arches paper, signed an limited to 30. Prices begin at $1,250 and increase as editions sell." 

------------------------------Keep reading......

Finally, a few other points about this magazine: 

1.  It is one of my favorites...and I read it cover to cover every issue. So...I like it. 

2.  It is a high quality magazine with a special focus on "collectors of fine photography"

3.  It has a wonderful article in this issue showing the darkroom of Clyde Butcher and a great series by Shelby Lee Adams.  Both articles are worth viewing/reading and absorbing.  Good stuff.  

Hope this long email may clarify a few points...

Steadman





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