Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "wwodets"
<odets@c...> wrote:
>
> ...Finally, I am guessing the tonal performance of the VFA is partly 
> a product of the texture, rather than incidental to it.  Perhaps the 
> textured surface can hold more ink or reflects light differently. ..

Walt, I think you have something there. While I doubt the texture is
actually responsible for better dmax in this instance ( I suspect VFA
has a better coating), I have found it to increase that impression.
Here, all of the Hahnemuhle papers have the same dmax (well, so close
it's down to measurement error, or so close as to be visually the
same) but the more textured surfaces seem to have blacker blacks than
PhotoRag. I speculate this is because a smoother surface may begin to
have a slight bit of actual though very diffuse reflection or sheen of
the ambient light in the room. William Turner, German Etching, and
White Velvet being more textured might break that up more. You know,
like those good old Elvis velvet paintings.
Anyway, the effect is slight, and dependent on the lighting in the
room. Also, again, it's an impression not a measurable reality.
By the way, I'm not sure White Velvet is getting the attention it
deserves, very nice.
Tyler