Yes. Supply them as greyscale files, not colour files that only look black and white, or they can print with a green or blue tinge.
Greyscale prints a touch flatter than a backlit screen. That’s normal, not a print fault, and a few small tweaks make a real difference.
The one thing to do: supply greyscale
Black and white photos print beautifully, as long as the file really is black and white. Plenty of photos look black and white on screen but are still saved as colour files, in RGB or CMYK. Those are the ones to watch.
Saved in greyscale mode, or in the black ink channel only. It prints in black ink alone, so there’s no colour in it to drift.
Still saved as RGB or CMYK. It looks neutral on screen, but it can print with a green or blue tinge.
Not sure which you have? In Photoshop, the document tab tells you. Gray means greyscale; RGB or CMYK means it’s still a colour file.
Why colour files can print with a tinge
When a black and white photo is saved as a colour file, its greys are built from all four inks: cyan, magenta and yellow as well as black. On screen they balance perfectly. On paper, the tiniest imbalance between those inks can show as a cool green or blue cast across the whole picture.
A greyscale file sidesteps the problem, because it prints in black ink only. That’s why we ask for black and white photos as greyscale, and why we’ll point it out at your free file check if they’re not.
Why greyscale looks a touch flatter than your screen
Here’s the honest bit. Your screen lights each photo from behind, so its blacks look deep and inky. Paper can only reflect the light in the room, and black ink on its own never quite reaches that backlit richness. So a greyscale print looks a little flatter than it does on your monitor.
That’s the difference between light and ink, not a fault in your photos or our printing. It’s worth remembering, too, that your screen isn’t showing the scene exactly as it looked in real life either.
A colour file can print with a slight tint. A greyscale file can print a touch flatter than your screen. Both are printed exactly as the artwork asks. We’d rather tell you now than surprise you on delivery day, and our aim is always a book you’re proud of.
Convert your photos to greyscale in Photoshop
- Check for a colour cast firstLook at the photo while it’s still in colour. If a scan or a mixed-light shot has a strong tint, correct it before you convert, so your greys start from neutral.
- Change the modeGo to Image → Mode → Grayscale, and click Discard when Photoshop asks about the colour information.
- Keep it at 300dpiCheck Image → Image Size and aim for around 300dpi at the size the photo will print.
- Save and place itSave it as a TIFF, which prints fractionally better, or a high-quality JPG. Place it in your layout and export your PDF as normal.
A black and white edit there is usually still saved as a colour (RGB) file. Open it in Photoshop and convert it to greyscale before it goes into your layout.
Tips for richer black and white
- Lift the contrast a little. A small boost helps make up for paper’s gentler blacks.
- Go easy on very dark shadows. Detail hidden deep in the blacks can disappear on paper, so open the shadows up slightly.
- Choose silk or gloss for photography. They hold darks and fine detail best. Uncoated softens them, for a gentler, more natural feel.
- Set black text to 100% black only (0/0/0/100), so it prints crisp.
Printing the book in full colour, with big solid black areas? A rich black of 30/30/30/100 prints deeper than black ink alone. Our paper guide compares silk, gloss and uncoated in more detail.
See it on paper before the full run
The surest way to know how your photos will print is to hold one. There’s no minimum order, so you can print a single copy first, then the full run.
Want to compare papers before you decide? Our free sample pack has every house paper and weight, and usually goes out the same day.
You can also order a printed proof at cost: about £44 for a stapled copy, £58–82 perfect bound or £120–180 hardback. It shows the paper, binding and layout in your hands, though it isn’t colour-matched to the final run.
Watch the full explainer
Mike explains why black and white is so tricky in digital print, and how to get round it. A few black and white books we’ve printed:
1:40B&W Photography Book Printing: Finding a Feeling by Dan Gardner, Monochrome Photos.51 views · opens on YouTube- 1:58Valerie Bower — Paris / EU / UK. Black and White Photobook Print Journey38 views · opens on YouTube
- 1:15Liverpool Photography Book: Perfect Bound B&W Print Walkthrough. Self Publishing by Phil Maxwell16 views · opens on YouTube
After a year of shooting my project I'm beyond pleased with the final print edition. It feels like something I'm super proud of and no hesitation putting it in front of galleries to propose an exhibition.
Quick questions
Is black and white printing cheaper?
Yes. Tell us if your inside pages are black ink only (greyscale counts) and it’ll bring your price down.
Should I convert to CMYK instead of greyscale?
No. A black and white photo saved as CMYK still uses all four inks, so it can print with a tinge. Greyscale, or the black channel only, is the way to go.
Can I mix colour and black and white photos in one book?
Yes. Supply the black and white photos as greyscale and leave the colour ones in colour.
What if I’ve already sent colour files?
Don’t worry. We’ll point it out at your free file check, before anything prints, and talk you through the fix.
Not sure your photos are ready? Send them anyway.
A real person checks every file for free, and we’ll point out any black and white photos still saved in colour before anything prints.
