Digital BW, The Print

Steadman,

You wrote:

>I suppose for me the only questions left are whether
>I have the skills needed and time needed to do the
>"workflows" dance.

I hope there is no "dance" needed.  The basic workflow with the
variable-tone inkset is: edit in grayscale, convert file to RGB, apply
adjustment curve, print.

A Photoshop "action" is easy an easy-to-make macro that sets up a key that
can handle the conversion to RGB and application of the appropriate curve.
It also then calls up the printer driver.

So, once one sets up an action, the printing function is virtually a
one-button procedure.  I suppose I ought to summarize how to do that one
this forum, and perhaps MIS should have that procedure on the its
workflow/settings page.

Frankly, I don't bother with a macro/action because I find the manual
workflow rather simple.  On the other hand, I admit I've forgotten to
convert to RGB at least once.

>As it is, I have a lack of time for tweaking/experimenting ...

None should be required.  While the curves are written for Archival Matte
paper, that profile works for many papers.  It is my hope that others will
contribute and share Transfer Function profiles for different papers, as
needed.  In fact, there are all sorts of interesting things that can be
easily done and shared that way, including "canned" split-toning approaches.

One of the many advantages of the Epson driver is the availability of that
easy Transfer Function capability.

>I am tempted by the VM because I too would like to have
>control over the warmth/coolness.  Your VM solution and
>curves sounds like a great advance.

I came up with this approach because the existing inks, as good as they are,
were just not producing the results I wanted.  Once a mix and curves are
done for oneself, I just don't see any reason not to share.  All the work is
done once the curves or Transfer Function file is saved.  I hope others
using this inkset adopt the same attitude.

>IF the VM solution is one that requires a lot of print/
>modify curve/print again/ modify again/... I probably can't
>use it for my production work.  ...

I sure hope that isn't necessary.  I don't really know the
printer-to-printer variances within Epson printer types.  It is true that
each printer family needs it's own set of curves, but those curves will all
be available from me or MIS soon.  Once that is done, they should work
without further modification.

Then, if and when profiles are needed, I hope others share their solutions.
I just ordered some Legion Matte, for example.  It's gotten such good
reviews that I wanted to try some.  I'll test -- both for it's looks and
light fastness with the variable-tone inkset -- and see if it needs a
profile.  If it does, I'll write one and make it available.

Obviously, not all papers are going to be of interest to me, so this won't
happen with all the papers out there.  But if we all share, there will be
many more profiles available and more quickly than any other system.

>So, for someone like me...is it VM/Curves  easy enough? ...

I think you'll find it easy to use.  I'm getting comments from first-time
users who seem to be getting great results immediately.

Good luck.

Paul
http://www.PaulRoark.com