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The perfect combination by Eddie Ephraums, from Ag26 |
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Using 'Colour' channels in Photoshop, it is possible to eliminate or enhance these base and image colours. As a result, we can see significant differences in the quality of the scanned image when it is viewed in either of the red, green or blue channels. With conventional films, this is the same principle as using a camera filter to cut down on atmospheric haze. However, if the yellow-stained, relatively grain-free part of the pyro image could be viewed separately from its silver component, a significantly better image might be seen. Great theory, but would this work in practice? If so, then using Colour channels with pyro negatives could be like applying one of a variety of creative camera filters. And once we have used colour camera filters, none of us have ever looked back. My usual working methods: Having scanned my negatives, I select the colour channel that gives the best image for my purposes, after which I click the Discard colour information option. This simple action converts the colour image to a single channel (ie monochrome) one. It produces a much smaller file size to work with and that speeds up all Photoshop actions (for those of us without G4s and dual processors). It also enables me to experiment with the duotone, tritone and quadtone tools to get all those tones I slave to produce in the darkroom. (Don’t remind me!) It is a simple and effective working practice, which also includes some basic adjustments in Levels. For the purposes of this article, I conducted a number of simple tests using the same equipment and methods as usual to compare XP2 negatives against Delta 3200 film developed in pyro. I scanned both films using my Agfa 1200, with the scanner set to 'Transparent' mode. This option retains both the original colour of the negative and keeps the image in negative format; this is important, as I like to use the more sophisticated Photoshop software to make any alterations. I didn’t use the scanner’s Negative option that would convert the image to a positive. It is, however, a useful - if rather crude - shortcut for less important images. Next Page >> |
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• The final image, after some minor adjustments in Levels and the application of a tone using the Duotone tool. © Eddie Ephraums Page 2 0f 4 |
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