black and white paper

[JKeena]

I'm doing a series of B/W nude shots and want to print on paper that has really endless black blacks and sharp whites (but not so cold they look blue). I've only printed on ilford gloss fiber based stuff and I just can't get the blacks as black as I wish. These shots have many black shadows and I want the black to be very strong when it's dry and hanging on a wall. Any suggestions? -Justin

[Norman]

You don't say if your printing traditionally with negatives & chemicals or with an inkjet printer.

If it is digital, the main reason I find for blue or brown tints to black & white prints are a couple of things, firstly you maybe using a printer that does not have black ink, & has to mix colours for the process. I have a little HP photsmart without black ink, it prints with a blue tone in B&W.

The other factor is how are you converting to B&W if it is digital, if you just desaturate the colour to B&W you will get a colour cast. Try removing the colour while preserving the RGB colour channels, usually through a plug-in to photoshop.

Best of luck

[JKeena]

Actually, I'm printing traditionally in the dark room, but I appreciate the help!

[niteschaos]

I use Ilford paper RC multigrade pearl and find it doesn't have the contrast you may be going for. Kodak now makes a paper specifically for portraits now and advertised to have dark, but detailed shadows.

[CarbonTerry]

it's been a while since I've done any printing in the "soup" but Agfa Brovira was my favorite

[Gerry Widen]

I haven't printed on a lot of different brands of traditional photo papers but from my experience the Ilford Glossy fiber paper produces pretty nice blacks. It is the main paper I use. Some suggestions.

You didn't mention if you are using variable or graded paper but I am going to assume you either used a more contrast graded paper like 3 and up. (2 is considered normal) or the same more contrast grade filters if you are using the Multigrade. If not than that can help.

Most developers suggest a 2 minute full development time but I find from my personal experience and from others on forums that keeping the print in the developer for 3 minutes gives better blacks. Among others Kodak Dektol and the Ilford developerss give nice blacks.

Did you try toning the prints? Toning in Kodak (or other) Selenium toners will definitely give richer and deeper blacks. Typical times are around 2-5 minutes at an approximate 1 to 12 dilution. Make sure you follow instructions on proper washing both before and after toning. The Ilford site is a good source for that.