HP Unveils Software for Making Large-Format Photo Negatives on Designjet Z3200

HP has developed a Large Format Photo Negative application that will allow users of HP Designjet Z3200 photo printers to produce photo negatives on transparent substrates. These large-format negatives can then be used as masters to produce fine-art prints with a wide range of classic, alternative photographic processes, including cyanotype, photogravure, platinotypes, dye-transfer, gum bichromate and carbro.

While writing on film from digital data is not new, the Large Format Photo Negative application developed by HP Color Scientist and photographer Angel Albarran, offers a simple, low-cost/high-quality option. HP is showcasing Large Format Photo Negatives and prints produced with the negatives for the first time at Les Rencontres d’Arles 2010 in Arles, France from July 3-13, and at ArtHamptons in Bridgehampton, NY from July 9-11.

Elliott Erwitt, a Magnum photographer known for his black-and-white candid shots, recently used Large Format Photo Negatives to create limited editions of some of his most famous photos. Although platinum printing has traditionally been limited to modest dimensions, with the large-format negatives he was able to produce 30 x 40-in. platinum prints of four of his images on cotton paper.

Any professional photographer with an HP Designjet Z3200 Photo Printer, the correct substrate and the free software package from HP will be able to produce these photo negatives. The software package will be released at the Photokina World of Imaging trade show Sept. 21-26 in September.