High quality commercial prints
May 29, 2019 23:23:52 #
Although I do not do portraiture, preferring to shoot landscapes and wildlife, I have had real satisfaction with McKennapro. Prices are reasonable, color accuracy is very good and they offer both photo paper and aluminum prints.
May 29, 2019 23:37:27 #
mdougc wrote:
Does anyone recommend a shop that does high qualit... (show quote)
As an ex- pro lab manager, I can say that most any professional color lab can make an excellent silver halide print, and some can make an even better inkjet print with archival pigment inks and archival fiber papers.
The big question is, can you establish a sufficient technical dialogue with them to do your part to their input specifications?
File preparation requires a properly calibrated and custom profiled monitor. It requires using the lab’s printer profile as a proofing profile. And it requires coordination between photographer and lab personnel to keep processes coordinated.
If your files are adjusted to random standards (no standards), even the best lab will achieve mediocre results at best.
May 30, 2019 16:16:04 #
I have a good printer, but it only prints cup to 13 x 19 inches. When I want to go bigger, both in the past and now, I found a local printer who uses archival inks and papers. Being local, there's a person i can work with and quick results.
May 30, 2019 18:18:23 #
Kaib795
Loc: Maryland, USA
Gene51 is great and spot on. I would only add that watch where you place your fine prints as sun light can effect it over time. Regular lighting is okay as it's not on all the time but the sun is out there every day. Heck I've seen carpet change color from hard sunlight! LOL
May 30, 2019 19:00:35 #
[quote=Gene51)
Print longevity will outlast you, if properly matted with archival (not buffered) materials and adhesives, and sealed in a frame with a paper backing. Coating a giclée print with a preservative will help extend it's life.[/quote]
Some good advice here, but the last, quoted here, is questionable. Common practice is to use PIGMENTED inks (also sometimes called "archival," but don't trust the printer—look it up) on archival paper, then framing under glass. Sealing the back of the frame completes all that is necessary.
UV glass or plastic MAY help, but it also could harm by affecting different pigments differently, thus hurting color balance.
http://wilhelm-research.com is the best source for checking permancy of inks, papers, and their various combinations.
Print longevity will outlast you, if properly matted with archival (not buffered) materials and adhesives, and sealed in a frame with a paper backing. Coating a giclée print with a preservative will help extend it's life.[/quote]
Some good advice here, but the last, quoted here, is questionable. Common practice is to use PIGMENTED inks (also sometimes called "archival," but don't trust the printer—look it up) on archival paper, then framing under glass. Sealing the back of the frame completes all that is necessary.
UV glass or plastic MAY help, but it also could harm by affecting different pigments differently, thus hurting color balance.
http://wilhelm-research.com is the best source for checking permancy of inks, papers, and their various combinations.
May 30, 2019 20:34:02 #
artBob wrote:
Some good advice here, but the last, quoted here, ... (show quote)
Only thing I can add is to allow 36 to 48 hours for pigment ink prints to “outgas”. The ink solvent needs to evaporate completely before the print is sprayed and/or framed. If not, the inside of the glass will gain an ugly film from the solvent.
May 31, 2019 18:48:58 #
Thank you everybody! This is why I like IHH. I get good recommendations, and I learn new stuff as a bonus.
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