Unit 3 · Project 3Final Project
Print-Ready Image for Printmaking
Edit and prepare one of your photos as a high-contrast, print-ready file for use in Unit 4 printmaking.
This project bridges Units 3 and 4. You'll select one of your photos — ideally one with strong shapes, clear contrast, and interesting composition — and edit it specifically for use as a printmaking reference. That means converting it to high-contrast black and white, simplifying the tones so there are clear darks and lights with minimal mid-tones, and exporting it at the correct size for your block. This file will be your reference image when you begin carving in Unit 4.
Objectives
- 1Select a photo with strong shapes and clear contrast
- 2Convert to high-contrast black and white in Lightroom or Photoshop
- 3Simplify tones: push darks darker, lights lighter, reduce mid-tones
- 4Export at correct dimensions for your printmaking block (provided by teacher)
Materials
- Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop
- Your selected photo
- Block dimensions reference sheet (provided in class)
Tips
- Use the Threshold adjustment in Photoshop to see a pure black-and-white version
- Strong silhouettes work best for printmaking — look for clear shape separation
- Avoid images with lots of fine detail — it won't survive the carving process
- Print a test copy at actual size to see how it will look on the block