one bit black only prints

db2 · 08-04-2008, 12:10 AM

This is a colour file converted to one bit and then back to 8 bit so that the file can be saved. I'm into black only printing and these type of files are ideal. It's a rare photo that suites this method but i think they are great when they are suited. I am curious as to whether anyone shares my interest.

db2 · 09-09-2008, 04:09 PM

guess not, maybe I should have tried this on a f ing flower!!!!!

Arpe · 09-09-2008, 07:01 PM

I did this one back in 2005 (not sure if it's quite what you mean though)-
(Btw which Gisborne are you from ?)

stevebrot · 09-09-2008, 07:43 PM

Looks like the effect that was formerly done using lithographic film.

The easiest way to get this kind of effect in a controlled manner is to convert the image to B/W and shift the curve to define the highlights. Then increase the contrast until you get the desired effect. (You don't have to go all the way to 100% unless you want the true 1-bit look.) With most image manipulation software you can shift the curve/contrast all over the place until you get the right look.

Using this technique:

Original image:

Litho'd version (curve shifted left and contrast at 85%):

Steve

(With a whole bunch of F***ing flowers...)

*maxwell1295* · 09-09-2008, 07:53 PM

Originally Posted by db2

This is a colour file converted to one bit and then back to 8 bit so that the file can be saved. I'm into black only printing and these type of files are ideal. It's a rare photo that suites this method but i think they are great when they are suited. I am curious as to whether anyone shares my interest.

I LOVE this shot!

stevebrot · 09-09-2008, 08:23 PM

Originally Posted by maxwell1295

I LOVE this shot!

Awww, come on...You KNOW that you like the flowers better, don't you!!

Steve

db2 · 09-17-2008, 06:56 PM

I,m from Gisborne , new zealand Arpe. Hi Max , yeh one of my favorites of my lovely wife Donna at our local beach.
Thanks Stevebrot, don't you agree that the bw shot is more interesting?
Here's another example.

db2 · 09-17-2008, 07:29 PM

By the way, my apologies for not replying sooner. My computer was having trouble connecting to the net, needed a new card.
That's not a one bit file Arpe, one bit files only have pure black and pure white to work with and as mentioned need to be reconverted to jpeg's of 8 bits or more to be saved, at least on my system. The shot gives me a feeling of loneliness and a harsh enviroment for a young lady to be in. Isn't that the idea of photography, to impart feelings

. That I believe, is art.
I'm trying to get enough good shots together to cover one wall in my kitchen. I have a printer, epson stylus r 200 which allows me to print with black ink only. Using special carbon inks the prints are very durable and have a special character. Here's a link for interest....Black And White Digital Printing

Arpe · 09-18-2008, 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by db2

That's not a one bit file Arpe

I'll believe you as I wouldn't know anything about it! Though in Irfanview I remember clicking: decrease colour depth - 2 colours. That's not grey you see there, just lots of black dots.

stevebrot · 09-18-2008, 07:06 PM

Originally Posted by Arpe

I'll believe you as I wouldn't know anything about it! Though in Irfanview I remember clicking: decrease colour depth - 2 colours. That's not grey you see there, just lots of black dots.

You have to increase the contrast first if you want the image to block out.

Steve

jamonation · 09-18-2008, 07:49 PM

Great idea db2 and great shots all. Here's one of mine that looks much more pleasing than the colour version, thanks for the idea!

Click on the image to view it in a larger size

db2 · 09-19-2008, 12:50 AM

Fantastic , thats a really interesting shot Jamonation. Here's one of mine in a similar vein. Textures come out really nice with this tecnique.