Digital BW, The Print

Martin,

>> Works better than a split density filter??
> 
> Is a 747 faster than a Model T?

<g>  I've never used a split density filter... so thanks for that analogy!


>> "black ink only prints" suffer no metamerism whatsoever with Epson
> Archival
>> inks and EAM.
> 
> That is interesting that the metamerism does not involve all the inks
> in the set.

I think so too. 


> I believe you said you had a 1200. Are you going to dedicate that to
> the Piezo? I will recommend that you go for the CIS (Continuous
> Inking System) as soon as you can. It will save you many headaches
> and quickly pay for itself. I was going to suggest you check out the
> Piezo list but I see you have already established yourself as the
> resident Mac and Photoshop guru!

Yes, I'd like to use my 1200 for the Piezo, I'll be sure to get the CIS,
thanks... A guru I ain't, just been doing this a while.  I had a Commodore
64 before I got my first little Mac!  It's all your fault I'm posting so
much, nice to "meet" people with the same interests... it's bloody addictive
though!


> Here is a question you might be able to answer for me. One of many
> things that drive me nuts in Photoshop and have lead me to believe
> that no photographers were involved in designing the program.
> 
> In the darkroom one of the most important tools is a piece of
> cardboard to use for dodging and burning during printing. Some people
> just use their hands. One of the most common things is to burn in the
> sky using the cardboard to mask the foreground. The sky gets burned
> down as a gradient from the top. However, I typically bend the
> cardboard slightly or even into an S shape achieving a gradient burn
> that follows a curved path. As far as I can tell Photoshop only does
> gradients along from a straight line or as a sphere. Is there anyway
> to create a gradient off of a free hand curve or path?

I don't think you can create a gradient from a path, I've only seen what you
have described plus diamonds etc... the gradient itself does not curve,
would be nice though!  I'll look into it.

I would try making the canvas bigger than the image, using the magic wand
tool with a very large feather... (it maxes at 250 px) draw your curve or S
shape across, then go a bit outside of the canvas, up, across and down the
other side to join the beginning of your curve. Click the layer mask button,
fill with black. If the feather is to much then re-do. If the feather does
not give you enough transition maybe try blurring it or filling with 50%
gray instead of black. Also you can unlink the mask from the image and move
the mask up or down to find the best place for the transition.

I suggested making the canvas bigger so that the feathered edge of the
selection that will follow around the two sides and top will not be in the
image.

Don't know if that is what you're after? Or if my writing made sense. Please
let me know.

Best,
Carolyn