Digital BW, The Print

Hello Kevin,

>I rarely proof, but simply print and store images in the Itoya Art 
>presentation folders. 

You mean you never make a print and discard it and make another
because it needs more contrast or something?  


>Truth be told, I'm not too interested in the 
>techical aspects of anything photography related. Simplicity is key 
>for me...good results with minimal effort. 

I too am a fan of simplicity and am not inclined to get too technical.
 The 2400 is a great printer for this approach, so you're already on
first base.  Article #9 on the web link below outlines a simple
workflow for the 2400 - good BW printing doesn't get any easier than this.


>I really like the warm/natural look of the Aurora Natural, so is
>there anything comprable, around the same price, but with better 
>dmax and/or shadow detail? 

Not to my knowledge.  Maybe one of the Premier papers...or perhaps
Innova.  But I'm doubtful that any other matte paper has dmax equal to
PR and VFA.  I haven't tried everything, but if there was such a paper
it would be discussed here.  I highly recommend trying a box of VFA,
it's the only way you'll ever know if you'll like it.  It's really
gorgeous with K3 inks - the best dmax I've seen on matte paper with
K3.  It isn't as warm in color as most "natural" papers, but it isn't
a bright white paper either.  It's more expensive than Aurora, but you
get what you pay for.


>Longevity is an issue for me. I'd like something that will stand up 
>over time and be suitable for framing...say, if someday, my 
>grandchildren find my albums and want to diplay one of the prints in 
>a frame.

All the more reason not to make final prints on EEM.



>Maybe what I'm asking for is too simplicitic and just a pipedream?

Not at all, it doesn't have to be complicated.  Please read articles
#8 and #9 at the link below.


Regards,
Clayton


Info on black and white digital printing at    
http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm