Are you presently comparing your options for professional photo & fine art printers across our range here at Prizma Graphics? If so, it might not be your very first thought to look into a given model’s reputation for its production of monochrome images.

However, the creation of black and white photos is a highly deliberate and valid artistic choice, with some creative professionals even making it their “stock in trade”. One example is photographer and Canon Ambassador Helen Bartlett, who shoots solely in black and white.

Such a focus enables her to experiment with contrast, light, and shadow to create a sense of visual drama and graphic intensity that won’t convey itself the same way if she printed in a broader gamut of colours.

It interested us here at Prizma Graphics, then, to see that Canon recently published an article on its website setting out the photographer’s thoughts on using the Japanese corporation’s ImagePROGRAF machines and software for monochrome printing.

You might find it easier than you think to print compelling black and white images

Canon’s article documented a day that Bartlett spent with Canon Europe’s Suhaib Hussain at the corporation’s West London office. There, she learnt how straightforward a process it can be to print using Canon’s ImagePROGRAF PRO Series devices.

According to Canon, Bartlett was “delighted by the vibrant monochrome prints she was able to produce” during her visit.

She also got to experience the company’s Professional Print & Layout plug-in with its Pattern Print feature. The latter allows the user to print a sheet showing 49 thumbnail variations of a given image, each with slightly different brightness or contrast values applied.

This hard proofing feature enables the user to easily compare different results on the same type of paper they plan to use for the final print. As a result, they are able to confidently decide on the image (and associated settings) they like best.

“When you hold a print, that images etches itself on your mind”

As Bartlett observed: “Just being able to make sure things are absolutely spot on, and being able to tweak and change the images, would be great. I definitely think things like Pattern Print could be game-changing for me.”

She added, on seeing the final high-quality monochrome prints produced on one of Canon’s professional photo & fine art printers, that it “makes me more excited about my work. When you hold a print, that image etches itself on your mind much more than other ways of viewing it.”

Are you creating the best possible images with your Canon printer?

It is well worth perusing the longer article about monochrome printing on Canon’s website, as it goes into detail on how users of Canon ImagePROGRAF machines can get the best out of their devices for monochrome printing. The piece touches on such aspects as ICC profiles, screen calibration, and making a soft proof of an image to help save time, paper, and ink.

Finally, if you are still comparing professional photo & fine art printers, don’t forget that our team at Prizma Graphics can provide tailored and informed advice and guidance. Simply get in touch with us now, via phone or email, to learn more.