Comments on: Nik Silver EFEX Follow-up

By: RB

RB — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:47:52 +0000

Michael,

Good for you – on the prints.

Any thoughts on the M9?

By: Michael

Michael — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 04:08:34 +0000

Yes, I have made a few of my own stuff (perhaps 1 or 2 a month) and just finished a 42 print solo show of my Daughter’s work (all color).
For myself, I would guess I print about 1/2 to 1% of what I shoot over the long term(not including commercial work), and I am very far from a machine gun shooter. I went out the other day for 2 hours and didn’t make a single frame.
You are also correct about 16 bit, I export 16bit Tiffs directly into my ImagePrint RIP which also archives the file and profiles so I can make a second print months later and it will match the earlier one.
I have a wall in my Edit Suite, where I live with a print for a while, If I still like it after really looking at it for a while,I’ll make a second one for flat dark storage.
If I tire of it, I trash it, If it needs a tweak I’ll make a new TIFF and compare. In most cases the tweak doesn’t help so I throw them both away.
As I am sure you also know, when you get a keeper,you know you have completed the circle.
Michael

By: RB

RB — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 01:50:22 +0000

You can tell if you look at anything for more than a second or so.

By: RB

RB — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 01:49:38 +0000

OH,

one more thing – what you are looking at has exactly 256 tonal values and the resizing algorithm compressed a lot of stuff. In the print world that is NOT GOOD.

Dirty little secret = rip or 16bit driver for print. Chemical prints have like a gillion (infinite) tones.

By: RB

RB — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 01:33:36 +0000

Stephen,

I am glad to help. I would love to see what you come up with, really – somehow you sound excited.

By: Stephen

Stephen — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 00:48:53 +0000

RB
I second Michael’s comment, a little Gem indeed!
I haven’t been happy with any of my B&W prints (or even the digital versions). You have given me some tools to jump back in to Silver FX again.
Thanks!
Stephen

By: RB

RB — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 00:40:18 +0000

Michael,

Good to hear from you – I hope you are well. and..

am glad you approve – made any prints lately?

By: Michael

Michael — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 00:01:28 +0000

RB
A very thoughtful, helpful, and in my opinion great advice.
I am always after folks about not being done until you’ve made a print that fulfills your vision.
The discipline of printing your best work, makes you a better photographer.
And, as you so clearly point out, even in this digital age, making a GOOD print is not a trivial exercise, it requires time, and work, and an understanding of process, –which is also good because it tends to make us THINK about which of our images is Worth the work. It adds a layer of thoughtfulness to our process.
There are increasingly, electronic options for display that are very powerful, and immediate. They can extend and enhance the photographer’s scope and reach. They are wonderful and should be embraced. But they are different than a print.
They can augment, but do not replace the slow contemplative nature of holding a fine print in your hands or living with it over time on your wall.
Nice Job, -one of RB’s little Gems, Thanks,
Michael