One of the great advantages of shooting digital is flexibility in terms of print processing. In the past, if you wanted black and white prints, you would shoot black and white film. If you wanted color prints, you would shoot color film. Special processing could result in cross-processed prints and/or toned prints (e.g., sepia). With digital, it’s much easier to deliver prints with the color/toning treatment that you prefer. When I proof your prints, I will typically have applied a variety of color enhancements and treatments to show you examples of what I think look best and most artistic. Some of the most common questions I get are related to these color treatments and enhancements.

“What is that cool, edgy color called?”

“What is a warm versus cool tone?”

“Is a warm tone the same as sepia?”

Well, to simplify things, here are examples of the five most common enhancements/treatments that I apply and that my clients request.

Color Print:

Cross-processed Print:

Black and White Print:

Warm-toned Black and White Print (e.g., Sepia):

Cool-toned Black and White Print:

Hopefully this helps to answer any questions you may have about your proofs and the print possibilities. Of course there are more options, but these are the most popular. So, when ordering your prints, feel free to request the color/toning treatment that you’d like. And, now you can ask for them by name!