Digital BW, The Print

Hi
Just looking for some information. I have recently bought myself an 
Epson 1160 printer with MIS FS-N ink set and PiezographyBW. I am 
really impressed - I think !! The pictures seem to have a real sketch 
quality, some more than others. I have been using Epson archival matt 
and Hahnemuhle "Photo Rag" papers. The achieved tones are brilliant 
and pictures are very sharp, but very graphite-y. Is this sketch-like 
quality down to my Black and White conversion and subject matter, or 
is this just the nature of the beast? I'm not saying it's not 
attractive, but I showed it to a friend today who's a real dark-room 
officionado, and he was well impressed, but without me even 
mentioning the sketch quality, he made the same observation 
(admittedly, he's not used to such a flat matt look). Is it worth 
trying any other paper to get that 'dark-room' look, bearing in mind 
that with these inks I can't use glossy paper?  Or change my 
technique? Or do I learn to love this quality?
Thanks for any suggestions.
Regards
Kirk

Hello Kirk,

>Just looking for some information. I have recently bought myself an 
>Epson 1160 printer with MIS FS-N ink set and PiezographyBW. I am 
>really impressed - I think !! The pictures seem to have a real
sketch 
>quality, some more than others. I have been using Epson archival
matt 
>and Hahnemuhle "Photo Rag" papers. The achieved tones are brilliant 
>and pictures are very sharp, but very graphite-y. Is this
sketch-like 
>quality down to my Black and White conversion and subject matter, or 
>is this just the nature of the beast? 

Some of both.  In general, digi prints have their own unique look to
them because you're looking at ink, not silver.  More specifically,
there are lots of different ways to do digi printing (different
printers, inks, software, scanners), all of which contribute their own
unique qualities to the final result.  A lot also depends on the
individual's scanning and Photoshop skills and knowledge.  The result
is a tremendous variety among different people's work, even among
those using the same equipment and ink.

I have noticed that many quad/hex tone prints have a sort of opaque
watercolor look, or sometimes a Japanese brushed ink look, and this
can be very beautiful.  I think it is a mistake to think in terms of
trying to make a digi print "look like" a silver print.  I would
encourage you to think of it as an entirely different art form (which
it is), and realize that your new medium is ink, not silver halide and
gelatin.

>Is it worth trying any other paper to get that 'dark-room' 
>look,...Or change my technique? Or do I learn to love this 
>quality?

It depends on what your goals are.  It's hard to get out of the grips
of worrying about "what others will think".  Getting "the darkroom
look" can be an elusive and difficult goal.  Even with the most
expensive equipment, software, inks and papers, the goal can be missed
because of personal limitations.  There is a huge amount to be learned
and it will take time.

Sounds like you're getting a good start.  Just keep at it and you will
find your own path.  I'm sure some other forum members will add their
words of wisdom here.

Regards,
Clayton


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