daplight Loc: Kansas

There is a 'metallic' finish, that is glossy and gives the impression of a sharper image. I had this option done on a panoramic desert sunset a couple of months ago that ran $30 for a 12 by 36 inch print. This was at a local lab that still used 'chemistry,' but new processes are evolving and improving.

f8lee Loc: New Mexico

Yes, metallic finish papers has been around for a while (for traditional photographic printing - not inkjet type schemes) and can look good.

I believe the reasons true dye-sub aluminum prints often have more "pop" are basically:
1) the aluminum substrate has a higher reflectivity than white paper and so more light bounces back through the dyes, and
2) the aluminum substrate is completely flat, making for better reflectivity (flatter than the flattest foam-core backing or whatever)

Most of the shots in my website (in my signature below) are printed on aluminum (16x24" and 24x35" in size, though I've sold a few prints that were 30x45" as well) - comparing what you see on your screen to them is day and night. Comparing how they look as compared to same-sized paper prints (also from MPIX or Bay) still shows a vast difference; the AL prints just have more 'pop'.

Aluminum prints are more expensive than paper (either the traditional wet press photo paper or inkjet type) but then again don't need to be framed and are easy maintenance so for large sizes the costs are not that difference by the time they are hung on the wall.

In-lightened Loc: Kansas City

Bob...enjoyed your pictures...flora are especially nice. Do the metal prints come with a way to hang them on the back? And what is price range for prints in the 16x24 and 24x35. Do you have them adjust color or do you preview with one of their ICC files or? I have just started to print some of my work for personal use mostly and have always wanted to see something on metal. Maybe I will try it soon. Thanks for the information.

mcarchia Loc: Windham, NH

Thanks everyone for responding. I ended up going with Nations Photo Lab and the price was in the $50 range. I saw a couple of good reviews and recommendations so am trying it. I'm sure it'll look great in my condo.

Mike

f8lee Loc: New Mexico

Thanks for your kind words, Kim.

I get the prints with what they call the "floating frame" - this allows for hanging and holds the image about and inch away from the wall, making for a more impactful look. Looking at their website I see the price of the 16x24: with floating frame is $115. Not cheap, but again, no need for matting or framing - remove from shipping packaging and hang on wall. As for color correction; I let them tweak as they see fit - they know what they're doing.

Having tried the other big labs over the years, I just find that Laserlight's are, as I said earlier, better looking. When I asked the guys why that was some years back, they explained that all the labs buy the base stock (the aluminum sheet with the dye-sub receptive coating) from one supplier, who offere=s different grades - and they just use the highest grade. Comparing the prints, I can tell you it makes a difference.

I have zero affiliation with these folks other than being a happy customer, by the way. I just have found them to be very good at what they do.

Mundj Loc: Richmond TX

Mike,

I have had good luck with Aluminyze.com. They are in NYC.

anderzander

Not to change the subject, but the mention of dye sublimation printing, Canon has a portable Dye printer small enough to travel with, shooting pictures on your cell phone with downloaded apps, the prints are excellent for your housewife who wants to record actual prints for her National Park Book for something more personal than the stamp and cards offered at each National site.

Huey Driver Loc: Texas

I have used Adorama Pics for a couple metal prints and have been very pleased with the results. Have two 16x20's hanging in the house now.

moonhawk Loc: Land of Enchantment

Hi--Laserlight looks interesting, especially with your recommendation. Question: Do you use the Classic Metal, or the Pro Magic Metal? (Or some other?)
Thanks!

f8lee Loc: New Mexico

I use the pro metal (I think that was the only option when I started with them 6 or so years back) with floating frame, and fine the glossy finish is much nicer than matte. 40+ prints later, I am very pleased with their work.

georgeretired Loc: Manitoba Canada

I did a 14 x 11 metal print at Costco for about $30. Canadian. Making that choice I needed something different and a little awesome. Took a winter night storm picture in the country. several shades of blue, black (bare trees) and again several shades of white. Was not too sure about doing it as I would have preferred a landscape with lots of color. Had a picture from Italy with all these different little home is a huge variety of bright colors. However did the winter scene and it looks great. Give it a try. the picture you took may not have the "sold" look you need. Try getting a regular print of the size you want and see what it looks like before investing in the metal print. Oh, in hanging the picture, you don't want a location where there is glare and a location that is straight on to the traffic coming into the room.
Winnipeg Canada.

moonhawk Loc: Land of Enchantment

Thank you!

I have used Image Wizards out of North Carolina, and been very pleased. They claim to have originated the process. But it would be nice to find someone a little closer to New Mexico to reduce the considerable shipping costs, and just to compare quality.

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

I've had good results with Adorama. I'd recommend the satin finish, not the glossy finish.

dgingerich Loc: Cape Coral, FL

I've had great experiences with both Bay Photo and CGPro Prints with the latter of the two having the best prices... https://www.cgproprints.com/?gclid=CPyXt5aNq8gCFcQXHwodX9sKVQ

Hyperhad Loc: Thunder Bay, Canada

As Malarz said, some prints benefit from being printed on metal/aluminum/metallic finish paper. I have prints on aluminum and metallic-finish paper. I think it adds some depth to the image, and imparts a "glow". Images like your sunset would likely benefit from being printed in this manner. Once you have the print in your hands, you will be better able to determine which of your images would benefit from being printed on these types of mediums.

Let us know how your sunset turns out, and your impressions.