There’s nothing like holding a photograph, or viewing one printed on paper. That’s the way it was always meant to be.
Although I don’t do – nor like – “analog” photography (film and silver gelatin paper), I do like the look of a traditionally printed photograph. I generally use a baryta paper when I print, which gives that look and feel. And smell.
One of the many advantages of the digital process is the fact that the printing process, using inkjet printers, archives considerably longer with a much higher tonal range than a silver gelatin print. Surprised? You shouldn’t be. And the paper selection is unbelievable compared to what once was. And, not surprisingly, they are much better also.
I’ve been really studying and practicing printing techniques lately. The experience of the print is so vastly different than that of viewing an image on a computer monitor. Or a phone. The print, in addition to its tactile feel, seems permanent. On screen the experience is more fleeting.
I’ve gone back through my catalog looking for images to reprint. That was an eye opening experience. I’ve learned a lot in the 10 years since this image was taken at Lake Tahoe.
Taken in early December, there was a little snow on the ground on a fairly pedestrian day. I had my 6 (!) MP camera with me – a Konica-Minolta 7D, with its venerable Sony CCD sensor that was used in a variety of cameras from Nikon to Pentax. Fairly state-of-the-art for its time, it does demonstrate that resolution isn’t everything. I currently shoot over 40MP and CMOS – technology does move forward.
I’ve reprocessed this image according to my current aesthetic. I’m pleased with the print and my deeper understanding of the process. But no one ever accused me of being Ansel Adams. Landscapes are a bit out of my genre.
One of the advantages in hiring me as your photographer is I own the entire process, from capture to print. I use only the finest papers and ink, and mount and mat to archival standards. This means I have complete artistic control throughout the process. As the final step in the process, the print requires the same care and attention to detail as lighting, composition, and post processing. It’s also why I insist on a print as the deliverable.