Platinum / Palladium
Instructor: Kerik Kouklis
June 11 – 13
Kerik Kouklis is not only one of the finest platinum printers out there, he is an excellent and giving instructor that has taught many of those working today. This is your chance to learn from a true master printer in a fantastic and intimate environment.
From beginner to those with previous experience in platinum printing or other alternative processes, this class has something for everyone. Even if you already have experience with platinum printing, this workshop is a fantastic way to refine your existing printing skills while increasing your knowledge of digital negative creation, an essential step in modern print making. You will learn how to make digital negatives using the Quad Tone RIP (QTR) program and then learn the basic techniques of platinum/palladium printing.
During this workshop, each student will have plenty of one-on-one instruction that will be geared toward each individual’s current capability. The objective is to get people hands-on experience printing which is the best way to learn. Standing around watching an instructor and others print will only get you so far and we want everyone printing on their own as soon as possible.
The first day of the workshop will be dedicated to learning the craft of making digital negatives using QTR. You will learn how calibrate the system for your Epson printer. We will use a straightforward approach that is streamlined thanks to a Photoshop script written by photographer David Eisenlord. The script eliminates much of the tedious math and measurements required to create the Photoshop curves utilized in the process. You will receive a copy of the script for your own use as well as a detailed, step-by-step illustrated manual.
The final days of the workshop will be dedicated to learning the platinum/palladium process and refining your existing printing skills utilizing the digital negatives made on Day 1. There will be a variety of papers to experiment with as you delve deeper into this beautiful process.
Some of the topics to be covered in this intensive workshop will include:
- Making Digital Negatives with QTR
- Hand-coating techniques
- Characteristics of different papers
- Contrast control techniques
- Materials suppliers
- Print and negative retouching
- Options for UV light sources