Digital BW, The Print

How many would complain if 
> Weston HAD enlarged some of his work, if he had the means to do equal 
> quality at bigger sizes? Not me amigos.
> 
> Steve Karafyllakis


Weston used the most technically advanced camera that was available to
him at the time...that Graflex SLR. 

He used the most advanced paper that was available to him at the time,
was thrilled at its introduction. 

If you've seen the enlargers of the era you understand why his poverty
wasn't the only reason he didn't own one.

Even more to the point: he wasn't necessarily in thrall of B&W since
he had no alternative other than Anscochrome etc or B&W tripack color,
neither of which were realistic/attractive. 

I think the reason he made contact prints was the simplicity. He used
the easiest process. Creation of inkjet contact negatives would have
been too much hassle, he'd be working more directly today. 

Can you imagine having as much access to nubile dancers as Weston had,
wasting your days in a darkroom in 2005? If he bothered with film he'd 
simply scan the negative on a good device, print it with a good
device, go to another party, find another dancer :-)

Djon