Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

jchooper12 · **B&W -** 09-25-2005, 01:17 PM

I am trying to get some B&W photos printed and when I printed them at Costco they had a blue hue to them. I am not sure if it is my photo that has the blue in it or if the printer there is causing the problem.

#1 What is the best practice for converting to B&W. Should I use CMYK, RGB, Lab Mode, etc...

#2 When converted, what is the best way to make sure that my photo is indead actually a B&W photo ready for printing. Should I test with the eye dropper different points to make sure black is really black? Am I just asking crazy questions?

#3 Where is a good place in DFW, preferably closer to Richardson/Plano to get B&W photos printed in a short amount of time.

Thank you for any help.

dbphotos · 09-25-2005, 05:25 PM

Costco only prints using color machines so their b&w photos are artificially converted. The best way to go is to send them to a b&w lab. If you're looking for inexpensive, even Ritz or Wolf Cameras can send them off and you'll get them back in a few days.

True b&w processing will always look better (in my opinion).

FakingSanity · 09-25-2005, 06:23 PM

Film or digital?

jchooper12 · **Digital -** 09-25-2005, 08:32 PM

I need a place that can turn the prints around this week. I need 11X14

dbphotos · 09-25-2005, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jchooper12

I need a place that can turn the prints around this week. I need 11X14

I have used mpix.com for b&w posters and had them in my hands in 3 days from the time I uploaded the files. Highly recommend!

LoungeLizard · 09-25-2005, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbphotos

I have used mpix.com for b&w posters and had them in my hands in 3 days from the time I uploaded the files. Highly recommend!

Is that using their "true B&W" or their standard processing?

dbphotos · 09-25-2005, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoungeLizard

Is that using their "true B&W" or their standard processing?

It was the true digital black and white. I am very happy with the results. Very natural black and white prints. I haven't tried the metallic black and white yet, but I did receive a sample print and it looks very nice as well.

DeLeon · 09-26-2005, 02:40 PM

I will second Mpix.com, they do a very good job with B&W, and have an extremely fast turn around....

jchooper12 · **Went with mpix -** 09-26-2005, 10:20 PM

I am getting my b&w but with the Metallic paper, I here B&W look awsome using that kind of paper. Cannot wait to see them.

dbphotos · 09-26-2005, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jchooper12

I am getting my b&w but with the Metallic paper, I here B&W look awsome using that kind of paper. Cannot wait to see them.

Let us know what you think of the metallic paper when you get it.

Erin Kathleen · 09-26-2005, 10:38 PM

Strangely enough, I ordered "true B&W" and color prints of the same images and I liked the B&Ws printed on the color paper better. I had turned the image B&W before getting it printed, of course, so it should have looked the same, but I'd heard of a yellowish tint on some B&Ws. I didn't have any problems with them either way. I love Mpix too (and Millers).

pippin · 09-26-2005, 11:36 PM

plano/richardson area : BWC on 75+Arapaho... could have them next day...

Scott-Tx · 09-29-2005, 10:58 PM

another suggestion for bwc on 75 and arapaho. second only to photographique, who is further south.

jchooper12 · **The Metallic Paper -** 10-01-2005, 10:31 AM

Ok, I received my prints from MPix and on teh Metallic paper, well, they are AWSOME. I love the look, it is really nice. Worth a try. I want to get some color photos done on this paper just to see how they would turn out.

Badge · 10-01-2005, 10:51 AM

Any advice on doing B&W at home. Normally I am starting with a digital full color shot, use elements and a 6 ink epson printer. Quite happy with my color printing but my B&W prints just do not look right, too flat, lack of greys and just do not look right