Digital BW, The Print

In answer to a few questions re my interest in floral black and white;

No, I have not had the opportunity to see the original prints referenced
today, but the many links so kindly submitted led to quite a bit of time
spent in reflecting upon my own works, viewing the styles of those
referenced, and even pulling out my collection of LIFE books given to me
when I had a cover shot on the 1970 International Photo Contest issue. It
brought back years of memories and the opportunity to spend a few hours
reviewing the works of the early masters. In reading so many quotes from
them it was especially interesting to note that there was such an emphasis
throughout upon the idea and concept of the image. This all served as an
opportunity to review the contemporary websites again and even more
reflection upon what it really is that interests me, or should I say, what I
am seeking.

Since converting to digital much of my work has been more commercial
imagery, but my more recent interests seem to be taking me back several
decades and have definitely breathed some new life into my love of
photography and art for the sake of creativity and expression. However,
today that means a lot of technical considerations. I have now received my
Epson 200 which I will be experimenting with prior to committing to a wide
format printer. I do very much wish that there were a wide format that
doesn't have the requirement of changing inks or having a separate printer
for black and white. Initially, I have quad tone inks coming from Media
Street along with some lustre (satin) paper. From there, I will be better
prepared for a larger and more serious printer and process. So much to learn
and so many different opinions! For example in reviewing the different
approaches I read of Jon Cone's inks and drivers for selenium work. What I
do not want are the super high contrasts, but, rather, the somewhat softer
still life affects with a very broad range of grays and the older style
"metallic" tones and depth of silver, selenium and palladium prints, not
browns or exclusive blacks. 

My own experiments showed the satin finishes to work well and the high rag
papers to be a tad too flat, but I am still open to all suggestions. You
folks certainly hit head on with the links to the styles I am after, where
light, shadow, texture, shape, and form are so important. The still life
fascinates me.

Clarence W. Walker,   
Creative Expression Photography
http://www.creativeexpressiononline.com
Commercial, fine-art, and stock