Working with a grayscale photo-Help?

First timer...

I have a Black and White photo that my son in law wants me to enlarge. The background is good, but the subject is almost silhouetted. I want to make the subject lighter without making it seem like it doesn't fit the scene.

I'm far from expert, but finally got an image I liked onscreen--using layers. It printed out too dark. I use MonacoEZColor for my work and my profiles work for color prints.

My head is spinning trying to find out if I should scan RGB or Grayscale; Hi Bit or Low; also trying to find out about gamma settings, dot gain, etc. A lot of info out there for converting from color or for duotone prints, but none that has helped me.


Can anyone give me advice on the workflow for this project -- from scanning to printing?


Using an Epson Perfection 2450 Photo scanner; Epson Stylus Photo 890 printer, new calibrated monitor, and Photoshop 7.


Thank you for any help!

Peggy

I doubt the color mode of the scan will affect anything. You can always convert to grayscale in Photoshop.

No matter what happens, if you scan high bit, you will have to convert down to a low (8 bits/channel) bit to do any editing in Photoshop. Scanning at high bit could produce better colors when downsampling to low bit in Photoshop, but thats all its really good for right now.

IMO. Scan the image at Grayscale, low or high bit. To edit, you're gonna have to downgrade it to standard rgb or grayscale. You don't have a CMYK capable printer (I don't think), so don't even bother with using CMYK mode for the printout.

If the problem is that the printout is too dark, continue to adjust the brightness/contrast of the image and print them out until you get what you're satisfied with. Thats really the only way, IMO.

The printer you're using is not exactly perfect for prints, but very good for home use. I would imagine trying to fool with the dot gain and other printer settings will have little effect on what the printer's actual output will be. All that your Epson will do is grab what it sees in the image area and print it.

Thank's for the feedback! I can't see any benefit from scanning with RGB instead of grayscale; so unless anyone has different advice, that's what I'll stick with.
Peggy

Peggy, Scanners ARE RGB.... and they Will get a better scan with RGB....

Scanners have what are called CCD's their native color mode IS RGB and you will most certainly get a "true'er" scan by scanning in RGB color mode. Then you can change to Grayscale.

I suggest scanning the image.... and then duplicating the layer.... change the duplicate's blend mode to "screen"..... see how much that helps... if need be make another duplicate of the "screen" layer....

each layer you make with ther "screen" blend mode applied with "lighten" the object.

I haven't been able to try this yet. We are leaving for vacation Thursday. I just bought a book that agrees with you. Can't wait to try it when I get back.
Thank you!