Floral close up
2006-01-31 by Clarence Walker
In considering a forthcoming photo opportunity I would like to create some close up, still life type images wherein the blossom itself is so displayed in all possible shades of black, white and gray as to produce a truly artistic effect in terms of composition, lighting and grayscale rendering. Something with "pop" and depth but at the same time a quiet sort of beauty where the image is far more than a flower, maybe best said as visual interest and a natural beauty. I shoot with a Canon EOS1Ds. Online (in computer) and with Photoshop there is no concern, but then comes the print. For large format I know of many fine print shops such as Pictopia, but I would like to experiment with the suggestions here of using a dedicated black and white printer, so my essentially R200 is on the way as an alternative to my Canon i9900. In viewing inks I have found Media Street with this: "GQ-R300-SMK $89.94 Availability: Will Ship within 2 to 7 Days Set of (6) Filled Cartridges for the R200/R300/R320 with Quad Black Inks (With MK) Introducing a new archival black and white inkjet system designed by fine art photographer and digital imaging consultant Richard Wolfson. This new printing solution incorporates Media Street's new Generations QuadBlack (GQ) pigment ink set, a selection of photographic and fine art papers plus special software to produce exhibition quality black & white photographic prints. With the GQ Ink and software bundle, artists and printmakers can produce museum-quality prints, even with an entry-level sub-$100 printer such as the Epson R200." No trying to make this too difficult, especially for a low cost experiment, But I have seen similar floral still lifes with the kind of quiet artistic beauty I desire on the net, but not as finished works. My first thought is that high gloss would negate the impression I am seeking, but would matte finish on art linen or cotton give the level of sharpness and detail or the shades of gray, white and black? Maybe a satin finish would be worth considering. In which case, comes the choice of ink. I note that with the Quadtones one must choose between the gloss versus the matte inks and assume a system flush would be required to change. Which would one use for the satin finish? Your suggestions? Clarence W. Walker, Creative Expression Photography http://www.creativeexpressiononline.com Commercial, fine-art, and stock