Hi there! Have you ever wondered what goes into creating those stunning fine art photography prints you see in galleries and museums? Well, today I'm going to take you through the process of how a digital image captured by my underwater camera lens is transformed into a beautiful physical print that you can see in any art gallery, particularly the Art Gallery on Palm Beach.
After the Underwater shoot, where I take up to 2000 frames. I download them onto my computer in my studio. Here I painstakingly comb through to choose the images I want for the series.
The chosen images have to be edited and prepared for print. This involves making adjustments to the colour, contrast, and overall tone of the image to make sure it looks its best when printed. It's a delicate balance between artistic vision and technical expertise, and it can take days or maybe a week of tweaking and adjusting to get just right. Layers, upon layers, upon layers in photoshop.
Once the image is ready, it's time to select the right paper and ink for the print. Fine art photographers are incredibly picky about this because the paper and ink can make a huge difference in the final look of the print. There are so many different options to choose from - glossy, matte, textured, bright white, warm toned - the list goes on. I prefer to use cotton rag for some images, where as canvas may suit better, and then fine art paper maybe the correct choice.
Next, the image is sent to a high-end printer. I personally recommend Patrick from Five Magics in Brookvale. Absolutely the best. Patrick uses a combination of pigment-based inks and advanced printing techniques to create prints that are incredibly sharp, vibrant, and long-lasting. In all cases his archival pigmentation will last a life time. It's a painstaking process that requires a lot of attention to detail, but the end result is worth it.
Finally, the print is carefully trimmed, mounted, and framed (if desired). This is where I clapped my hands in delight and do a happy dance as I can see my creative vision truly coming to life. The final touch is the signature and numbering the limited edition. Also, each limited edition print is accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. In my next blog I will talk about choosing the right frame, as it can make a huge difference in how the overall piece is perceived by the viewer.
So there you have it - the art of fine art photography printing! It's a complex and multi-step process that requires a lot of technical skill and artistic vision, but when done right, the end result is truly breathtaking.
If you're looking for a statement piece to serve as the focal point of your home then, check out my artwork, I am sure you will find a piece that you admire. Rest assured they are printed on high-quality paper or canvas, ensuring that they will look great for years to come.
Toodles x
