Digital BW, The Print

Here's my recipe that I've used for 10+ years at AAubreyBodine.com:

Epson 7800 (started with 1280, then went to 7600) (I found that once I could print > 11x14, that's what people started ordering).
Epson inks, only.

ImagePrint -- the only thing I use to print on the 7600/7800.

PhotoImpact for retouching.
PhotoShop and Genuine Fractals for preparing documents to print.

homebrew MS Access database to manage the photo archive
MS SQL Server on the homebrew website (MS Visual Studio Web Developer)

I'm "downy shore", but I don't use Apple -- I use Microsoft Windows (I gave up on Apple when they discontinued the Apple II and the first Mac 128, though very sexy, was too puny to take seriously for  business).

To my mind, the production process is a solved problem.  The web, marketing and sales are still a work in progress.

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Robert" <bobbylipman@...> wrote:
>
> Dear Friends,
> 
> Permit me to start this message by letting you know how much I appreciate the many thoughtful posts on this listserv.  I am in awe of how much so many participants know about the subject of the listserv and how graciously you are willing to share your knowledge.
> 
> I am at a situation in life life where I need to focus on idiot-proof  "out of the box" solutions for making digital black and white prints. I have tried the Epson C88+ plus approach using MIS inks with mixed results.  I am not looking for perfection, just very good black and white prints:
> - mainly family photos, but some "street photography" or portraits
> - using a Mac/Apple computer
> - on non-glossy paper;
> - up to size "8x10" normally, but would like to print up to "14x20"
> - from a digital file created by digital SLR.
> 
> I would appreciate your suggestions for a shopping list that will provide more or less an idiot-proof solution.  Here is the kind of list I hope participants on this listserv could suggest:
> 
> - ??? Mac/Apple desktop (21.5-inch: 2.5GHz, 4GB RAM) running Lion operating system (other Mac/Apple?)
> - ??? Lightroom 3?  Aperture 3?
> - ??? Silver Efex Pro 2? (needed?)
> - ??? Epson Stylus Pro 3880 (other printer???)
> - ??? _____ (fill in) Epson inks for non-glossy prints ???
> - ??? _____ (fill in) Epson (or other paper) for non-glossy prints
> - ??? ______ (fill in) RAW converting software (needed??)
> - ??? anything else?
> - ??? anything else?
> - ??? anything else?
> 
> Again, this is just a sample list I had in mind.  While I am still paying my kids' college tuition, cost is somewhat a consideration.
> 
> Finally, I live in the Montgomery County (Maryland)/Washington, DC-area and was wondering whether any other listserv members live nearby who use a Mac/Apple computer and who could "show me the ropes" on making quality black and white prints on non-glossy paper from a digital file created with a digital SLR.
> 
> I make this request humbly, and with great respect for the wonderful participants in this listserv.  Your taking time out of your busy schedules to consider this request is very much appreciated.
> 
> Bobby
>