The Return of Black & White

Of course, it never really went away, but black and white photography is in the midst of a new surge in popularity. Digital technology has given photographers greater control than ever before in making monochrome images. Advances in inkjet printing--such as carbon pigment inks on archival cotton rag, fine art papers--have renewed the interest of many photographers in producing their own prints. In future entries, Variable Focus will highlight the techniques and tools used by some of current black and white photographers and printmakers. Meanwhile, a favorite image of the genre.