DAY 311

PHOTOGRAPHY 101

Papers and Printing

PAPERWORK FOR ARTISTS

Now that you are ready to print your finished photographs, the next step is to determine where to have your photographs printed. Of course, a convenient option is to take your photographs on a memory stick down to your local one-hour photo lab. For special prints, however, consider a professional lab with state of the art equipment and a variety of professional archival papers, finishes, and mounting options.

Your first consideration is to decide what kind of paper you would like your photographs printed on. The two major manufacturers of photographic paper are Kodak and Fuji, both excellent options. Some labs also use Ilford paper for black and white prints. Ask the staff members for their recommendation and look at samples if possible.

In the past, the surface options available were limited to glossy and matte. Now there’s something called metallic that is worth exploring, especially for photographs with deeply saturated color.

Many labs have begun to offer a variety of textured paper as well. Textured papers, such as linen or canvas, can add a richness and elegance to a photograph that is not found in a glossy or luster version. My favorite combination is a photograph printed on canvas paper with an ornate frame. The finished product is truly stunning. —CWN