Creating Grayscale Film Negatives For Alternative Photographic Processes (Cyanotype, etc)

The Digital File

1. Open an RGB file in Photoshop, then desaturate it; we recommend the following method:

• In the Layers palette, click on the Adjustment Layer icon and select "Channel Mixer"
  
  
  
• Check the "Monochrome" and "Preview" boxes in the dialog box. Then, manipulate the percentages in the red, green, and blue channels until you find the right combination. This may seem a bit abstract at first, but you will eventually get the hang of it.
  
  Note: for best results, the percentages should add up to 100, as illustrated here (40 + 30 + 30 = 100)
  
  
  

Convert document profile to Adobe RGB 1998 (Edit > Convert to Profile)

Make any adjustments to the image you desire

Invert the image (Image > Adjust > Invert or CTRL-I, or add an Invert Adjustment Layer). This will alter the on-screen appearance of your file greatly:

               

You may also want to flip the image horizontally so it displays correctly when printed.

Printing on the 7600

When printing your image, use the following settings:

Open the “Print with Preview” screen and select “Page Setup.” Choose the 7600 Dye printer, and select the correct settings (roll vs. sheet, size of media, etc). If you are using Roll Film, you need to set up a custom paper size. Click “OK”

On the “Print with Preview” screen, click on “Color Management” in the dropdown box:

• Print Space = Pro7600 Glossy Film_PK
  
• Intent = Relative Colorimetric
  
• Check “Use Black Point Compensation.”
  
• All other settings are shown below
  

Click “Print.” This will not send your image to the printer, but will open up Epson’s print drivers.
Once the Print dialog box appears, select the following:

• Ink = Black
  
• Mode = Custom

Then click "Advanced," using the following settings:

• Print Quality = SuperPhoto - 2880 dpi
  
• Gamma = 2.2
  
• uncheck flip horizontal

Press “Save Settings” and call them “DigitalNeg” or something similar so you don’t have to dial in each setting every time you print. Click “OK”

On the “Paper” tab, make sure that your media size and source (roll/sheet) have not been changed. NOTE: if you are using roll film UNCHECK Auto Cut! This will help prevent jams and damage to the printer.

Load your film, print side forward, and be sure that the “Paper Source” setting on the front of the printer is set to the correct setting (roll or sheet).

Press “OK” and then “Print.”

Some films need longer to dry than others, some of which can be used right away. Pictorico OHP can be used immediately; Accumark film needs about 10 minutes to dry and WestJet needs several hours.

These negatives are great for use in many alternative photo processes, such as Van Dyke, Gum Bichromate, Cyanotype, and Salt Printing.