Fine-art printing is both a science and an art. Although fine artists can create prints of their artwork on their own, this process requires time, technical knowledge and a large investment in high-end printing equipment, supplies and maintenance. Therefore, it pays to employ a high-quality photography lab with experienced technicians and state-of-the-art equipment and materials. High-quality images and printing substrates greatly increase print value. Therefore, prints produced at a photo lab can quickly pay for themselves in increased sales. This article provides an introduction to fine-art printing and the products and services a good photography lab can provide.
A good photo lab offers a range of services for both technologically savvy artists who wish to participate in the creation of their prints and those who prefer the lab to handle the entire process. Photography labs can create prints directly from the artist’s original artwork using a state-of-the-art digital camera to create a digital file that is then color-matched to the original. Prints can also be made from transparencies, slides or 35mm-camera film negatives using a drum scanner to create the digital file.
Alternatively, photo labs can work from the artist’s own digital file. Artists have the option of letting the photo lab experts handle the post-processing of the file to make it print-ready, such as cleaning up the image, adjusting colors and removing scratches. Artists can also post-process the file themselves with image-editing software before submitting it to the photo lab, provided that it meets the lab’s specifications for format, resolution and color profiling. Many photography labs also offer technical consulting for artists preparing their own images. Using the finished digital file, the photo lab will create an image proof and present it to the artist for approval before creating prints.
Photographic labs typically offer a variety of print types such as giclée fine-art prints, digital photo prints and old-style traditional prints. The word “giclée” comes from the French verb “gicler,” meaning to spray or squirt. Giclée prints are created using inkjet printers with archival inks, either on canvas or fine-art paper such as watercolor paper. Due to their high quality, giclée prints are accepted by museums and galleries. Digital photo prints, enlarged from digital images on digital photographic printers, are known for accurate color, excellent color saturation and sharp detail. Traditional photo prints are made from 35mm-camera negatives using an enlarger with no digital images involved.
Typically, photo labs can create prints on a variety of papers with varying weights, textures and finishes, including fine-art papers that give prints the look and feel of the original artwork. Fine artworks and photos can also be printed onto fine-art canvas. Typically, the canvas can be stretched on stretcher bars, mounted on rigid foam board, or left unstretched. Stretched canvas can be gallery-wrapped with the image continuing onto the sides so that no frame is required. Alternatively, the sides of the canvas can be left blank for later framing. Some photography labs also offer framing. In addition, the lab often attaches the necessary hanging hardware to the canvas, creating a finished product that is ready to hang.
Given the wide range of products and services offered by photography labs, an artist seeking to create high-quality art prints can save a significant amount of time, money and hassle by employing these professionals. Since photo labs use the best technology and materials, the resulting high-quality prints can command high prices and pay for themselves quickly. Hence, a good photo lab's services are a worthy investment for any artist.
A good photo lab offers a range of services for both technologically savvy artists who wish to participate in the creation of their prints and those who prefer the lab to handle the entire process. Photography labs can create prints directly from the artist’s original artwork using a state-of-the-art digital camera to create a digital file that is then color-matched to the original. Prints can also be made from transparencies, slides or 35mm-camera film negatives using a drum scanner to create the digital file.
Alternatively, photo labs can work from the artist’s own digital file. Artists have the option of letting the photo lab experts handle the post-processing of the file to make it print-ready, such as cleaning up the image, adjusting colors and removing scratches. Artists can also post-process the file themselves with image-editing software before submitting it to the photo lab, provided that it meets the lab’s specifications for format, resolution and color profiling. Many photography labs also offer technical consulting for artists preparing their own images. Using the finished digital file, the photo lab will create an image proof and present it to the artist for approval before creating prints.
Photographic labs typically offer a variety of print types such as giclée fine-art prints, digital photo prints and old-style traditional prints. The word “giclée” comes from the French verb “gicler,” meaning to spray or squirt. Giclée prints are created using inkjet printers with archival inks, either on canvas or fine-art paper such as watercolor paper. Due to their high quality, giclée prints are accepted by museums and galleries. Digital photo prints, enlarged from digital images on digital photographic printers, are known for accurate color, excellent color saturation and sharp detail. Traditional photo prints are made from 35mm-camera negatives using an enlarger with no digital images involved.
Typically, photo labs can create prints on a variety of papers with varying weights, textures and finishes, including fine-art papers that give prints the look and feel of the original artwork. Fine artworks and photos can also be printed onto fine-art canvas. Typically, the canvas can be stretched on stretcher bars, mounted on rigid foam board, or left unstretched. Stretched canvas can be gallery-wrapped with the image continuing onto the sides so that no frame is required. Alternatively, the sides of the canvas can be left blank for later framing. Some photography labs also offer framing. In addition, the lab often attaches the necessary hanging hardware to the canvas, creating a finished product that is ready to hang.
Given the wide range of products and services offered by photography labs, an artist seeking to create high-quality art prints can save a significant amount of time, money and hassle by employing these professionals. Since photo labs use the best technology and materials, the resulting high-quality prints can command high prices and pay for themselves quickly. Hence, a good photo lab's services are a worthy investment for any artist.
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