Until
recently, all of my prints were made using the conventional methods
of enlarging in the darkroom from original 5x4 transparencies
and printing onto Ilford CibaChrome papers. This was often tedious,
in as much as this is a rather difficult paper to work with and
requires extensive darkroom techniques and knowledge. On many
occasions contrast mask needed to be made to ensure accurate print
results, and of course printing with this process is very time
consuming and expensive. It never ceased to amaze me at the amount
of wastage of material that occurred just to achieve a top quality
print!
Today
I make my prints using the digital process using high quality
paper, such as Epson Enhanced Matte, Somerset Velvet or Epson
Watercolor.
For
the digital capture I use one of two methods, either scanning
an original transparency or using high end digital cameras such
as the Nikon D2x or D2h with high quality optics.
The
image is then output to the computer. The computer has a highly
calibrated monitor and profiled with Monico EZ Colour Optix Pro
calibration software to ensure that colours are accurate. The
scanner and printer are also calibrated using the same software
and any adjustments to the image that are necessary are carried
out using Adobe Photoshop. When I say 'adjustments' I don't mean
adding elements to the image that weren't there in the first place
or drastically altering colours. I mean removing dust specks and
making sure the original is faithfully represented and will be
sharp when printed.
When
I am happy with the image on the screen, I output the file to
the Epson 2200 printer using the UltraChrome ink system which,
together with the above mentioned papers, that each have their
own profile gives a wonderful print.
One
of the many advantages to printing digitally is that I am able
to offer my clients prints much cheaper than using CibaChrome,
and personally I love the look of the print on the matte surface.
At the present time I print images to approximately 9"x12"
on 13"x19" papers allowing the image to self mat itself.
The appearance of the final print looks like the image above.
If
you are interested in purchasing prints then please contact me
for further information and prices.
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