How many print and frame?

I do get shots printed, it’s nice to have them on the wall, that reminds me I’ve got to get some more done
 
.... There you go again.

Have a read of this :


I first became aware of giclee 'printing' when someone I know was having giclees made of his paintings. So I googled it, never having heard the term before, and it was described as inkjet printing. Which is what it is. The ink is sprayed onto the paper through nozzles. It might use a more sophisticated machine than the inkjet printers used by most photographers, but it's still a form of inkjet printing.
 
I first became aware of giclee 'printing' when someone I know was having giclees made of his paintings. So I googled it, never having heard the term before, and it was described as inkjet printing. Which is what it is. The ink is sprayed onto the paper through nozzles. It might use a more sophisticated machine than the inkjet printers used by most photographers, but it's still a form of inkjet printing.
.... Indeed, Giclee prints are done via inkjet but as you say, only on high-end machines and with special inks on special papers. They are non-fade, archive quality and once seen you won't want an ordinary injet print ever again.

If a photographer cares enough about their work to want the highest quality print on paper, then they should care enough to Giclee print it. Metal prints are also pretty stellar.

To spend serious money on camera gear and then, if a print on paper is wanted at all, it doesn't make sense not to Giclee. IMO.
 
.... Indeed, Giclee prints are done via inkjet but as you say, only on high-end machines and with special inks on special papers. They are non-fade, archive quality and once seen you won't want an ordinary injet print ever again.

If a photographer cares enough about their work to want the highest quality print on paper, then they should care enough to Giclee print it. Metal prints are also pretty stellar.

To spend serious money on camera gear and then, if a print on paper is wanted at all, it doesn't make sense not to Giclee. IMO.
We all have different ideas about the importance of 'image quality' and 'print quality'. Personally I'm interested in 'picture quality'. It's all too easy to be seduced by technique and presentation.

It's not important to me to have the finest print quality available, and I don't believe that has anything at all to do with not valuing the picture. There are innumerable examples of great works of visual art that are falling apart because the artist has used unusual, or incompatible, media to achieve the result they wanted at the time. Which proves a nightmare for conservators!

I'd rather see my photographs printed in cheaply produced books or zines which get into the hands of dozens of people than on the finest surface possible to be seen by one or two. But that's just me. Of course I'd prefer them to be in books designed and made to the highest standards on the finest papers with the most accurate and long lasting inks, but at the end of the day I'd rather they were still around in dusty drawers 100 years from now. fat chance of that though!
 
We all have different ideas about the importance of 'image quality' and 'print quality'. Personally I'm interested in 'picture quality'. It's all too easy to be seduced by technique and presentation.

It's not important to me to have the finest print quality available, and I don't believe that has anything at all to do with not valuing the picture. There are innumerable examples of great works of visual art that are falling apart because the artist has used unusual, or incompatible, media to achieve the result they wanted at the time. Which proves a nightmare for conservators!

I'd rather see my photographs printed in cheaply produced books or zines which get into the hands of dozens of people than on the finest surface possible to be seen by one or two. But that's just me. Of course I'd prefer them to be in books designed and made to the highest standards on the finest papers with the most accurate and long lasting inks, but at the end of the day I'd rather they were still around in dusty drawers 100 years from now. fat chance of that though!
I'll add to that a print with compatible inks on cheap paper is still far better than a photo viewed on a screen.
 
We all have different ideas about the importance of 'image quality' and 'print quality'. Personally I'm interested in 'picture quality'. It's all too easy to be seduced by technique and presentation.

It's not important to me to have the finest print quality available, and I don't believe that has anything at all to do with not valuing the picture. There are innumerable examples of great works of visual art that are falling apart because the artist has used unusual, or incompatible, media to achieve the result they wanted at the time. Which proves a nightmare for conservators!

I'd rather see my photographs printed in cheaply produced books or zines which get into the hands of dozens of people than on the finest surface possible to be seen by one or two. But that's just me. Of course I'd prefer them to be in books designed and made to the highest standards on the finest papers with the most accurate and long lasting inks, but at the end of the day I'd rather they were still around in dusty drawers 100 years from now. fat chance of that though!
.... I respect that but I aim for quality not quantity. We certainly all do have different ideas about what's important to each of us and there's no better example of that than on Talk Photography!

I only care that whoever buys a Giclee print from me will not have it fade because of where they displayed it and that my work is shown off and enjoyed at the highest standard it can be. I don't care how few or many people I don't know have the opportunity to enjoy my pictures. I primarily produce it all to satisfy myself and if others happen to enjoy it, that's an extra bonus.
 
I'll add to that a print with compatible inks on cheap paper is still far better than a photo viewed on a screen.
.... Really? From digital files an image is always going to look better on a high quality screen than on poor quality paper. It's equivalent to how in the old days of 35mm film a transparency/slide looked better than a cheap print. But I guess it's whatever appeals to you and your taste.
 
I primarily produce it all to satisfy myself and if others happen to enjoy it, that's an extra bonus.
Same here :) , but I've long believed that as photography is an easily distributed medium it should be distributed.

I have never bought into the making photographs into unique objects business. They are not paintings or drawings, (apart from tintypes etc) they have always been reproducible without any difference in quality between copies.

But photography is a broad church with space for all manner of approaches. (y)
 
Same here :) , but I've long believed that as photography is an easily distributed medium it should be distributed.

I have never bought into the making photographs into unique objects business. They are not paintings or drawings, (apart from tintypes etc) they have always been reproducible without any difference in quality between copies.

But photography is a broad church with space for all manner of approaches. (y)
.... Well you and I are very different in some of our approaches.

Just because photography can be an easily distributed medium doesn't mean that "it should be" < That sounds like a dictate verging on communism. It should always remain the choice of the photographer/artist/creator and their copyright should be preserved and if necessary protected, IMO. I apologise if I am taking your words too literally. But of course you can choose to widely distribute your work freely if you prefer and so wish.

I see a photograph as a picture capturing a unique moment captured by the unique skills and art of the photographer. The camera is just a medium, equivalent to the brushes and tools of a painter. It's just a different medium but similar to other forms of art due to the digital techniques of post-processing. In fact it has always been so because in the dark ages of the smelly darkroom individual expression was applied.
 
Something all too frequent on internet forums. ;)
.... Not just internet forums - It is very easy and quite excusable to misinterpret someone's written words without the benefit of spoken language tones and nuances and facial expressions and body language. Emojis can only go so far!

However, it's on internet forums where some people intentionally put a spin on your words to suit their own agenda.
 
I print and frame for exhibitions – just about always A3 – and when they don't sell they either go on the wall or in storage in the bedroom.
What exhibitions do you display in Asia have prints I would like to sell as well ! ?
 
Wife has just had this one printed A0 size for the stairwell - photobox maybe cheap but for the big stuff - really can't fault their service.

Luka - Corys Print.jpg
 
FWIW

Of late (over the past few years) I have had commercially printed Giclee prints that I mounted and framed for exhibition sales.

However, sales have been spasmodic (I have not yet looked at non exhibition sales) so at the last exhibition in March this year I offered an open edition PhotoCanvas plus two Limited Edition PhotoCanvases.

The single OE one sold on the first day together with two large Giclee prints. Later that day the only other photocanvas, the LE one sold.

As so early in the exhibition, I was able to order a reprint of the LE and ordered another LE (different image) these were hung asap and they too sold within 36 hours of being displayed!

I was well chuffed:D

The next exhibition is in December and based on the demand/success of the PhotoCanvases I will be completely re-evaluating what to display and likely/potentially keeping all the Giclee prints in storage and concentrating on PhotoCanvases;)

PS I now have an Epson ET-8550, this will be used to create prints for appraisal and personal enjoyment but I intend to print my own greetings cards (last lot were commercially printed). As greetings cards are more ephemeral such dye not pigment printed are IMO ok for sales.

PPS with @RedRobin posting the link about "Giclee", I found the description interesting..... and I wonder how many photographers ask and/declare the number of inks used to produce the Giclee being offered for sale (I have added the ink set type to my labelling on the reverse of the framed print to 'qualify' that it was printed with archival grade inks).
 
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We have got lots of prints on the walls but mostly taken by my wife ( she is a better photographer ) and all from the 90’s back to the 70s - 35mm film.

I print sometimes but nothing larger than 5x7 or maybe the odd A4. Everytime I am minded to print - it usually involves a battle with the printer ( never learned not to leave inkjets unused for months at a time ).

Mostly images just get dumped onto Amazon photos to browse.

We sometimes think of getting some photo books done( by CEWE probably ) but the time and hassle of choosing and drafting usually defeats us.

One project I do have, now I have scanned most if our negs, is just to reprint a few of the old pictures that the sun had faded.
 
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We have got lots of prints on the walls but mostly taken by my wife ( she is a better photographer ) and all from the 90’s back to the 70s - 35mm film.

I print sometimes but nothing larger than 5x7 or maybe the odd A4. Everytime I am minded to print - it usually involves a battle with the printer ( never learned not to leave inkjets unused for months at a time ).

Mostly images just get dumped onto Amazon photos to browse.

We sometimes think of getting some photo books done( by CEWE probably ) but the time and hassle of choosing and drafting usually defeats us.

That's a shame Richard.

Maybe you should get a bottle and a couple of glasses, brace yourselves, make a night of it and try and enjoy the selection process or just go for it :D
 
That's a shame Richard.

Maybe you should get a bottle and a couple of glasses, brace yourselves, make a night of it and try and enjoy the selection process or just go for it :D
An excellent idea Alan!
 
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FWIW

Of late (over the past few years) I have had commercially printed Giclee prints that I mounted and framed for exhibition sales.

However, sales have been spasmodic (I have not yet looked at non exhibition sales) so at the last exhibition in March this year I offered an open edition PhotoCanvas plus two Limited Edition PhotoCanvases.

The single OE one sold on the first day together with two large Giclee prints. Later that day the only other photocanvas, the LE one sold.

As so early in the exhibition, I was able to order a reprint of the LE and ordered another LE (different image) these were hung asap and they too sold within 36 hours of being displayed!

I was well chuffed:D

The next exhibition is in December and based on the demand/success of the PhotoCanvases I will be completely re-evaluating what to display and likely/potentially keeping all the Giclee prints in storage and concentrating on PhotoCanvases;)

PS I now have an Epson ET-8550, this will be used to create prints for appraisal and personal enjoyment but I intend to print my own greetings cards (last lot were commercially printed). As greetings cards are more ephemeral such dye not pigment printed are IMO ok for sales.

PPS with @RedRobin posting the link about "Giclee", I found the description interesting..... and I wonder how many photographers ask and/declare the number of inks used to produce the Giclee being offered for sale (I have added the ink set type to my labelling on the reverse of the framed print to 'qualify' that it was printed with archival grade inks).
.... That's really interesting about your photo canvas sales - Thanks for posting this information @Box Brownie.

I think my daughter declares all the details about the limited edition Giclee prints she offers for sale - Afterall, doing so is surely helpful to marketing and customers better understanding high prices and the quality of what they would be buying.

Re printing on canvas I have forgotten if I have already posted this link which includes what ON1 Resize AI has to offer :

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X32R081oAHA
 
What exhibitions do you display in Asia have prints I would like to sell as well ! ?
I usually exhibit in Lincoln - I have three pictures in Lincoln's Usher gallery at the moment - or otherwise in other galleries in Lincolnshire. I don't exhibit in Asia.
 
I usually exhibit in Lincoln - I have three pictures in Lincoln's Usher gallery at the moment - or otherwise in other galleries in Lincolnshire. I don't exhibit in Asia.

lol, sorry for the fat fingers on Asia, as I posted on smartphone.

I am in Essex and I am struggling to get my prints on a wall to sell. there is a community art shop that will display photos on a commission sale, however they work at a snails pace because they are volunteers, and there is a waiting list ! ! ! !

We do have a WhiteWall gallery in town and though the staff liked my work they informed I have to apply via head office which i have done and to date no reply ! ! !

All I can think of doing is setting up a esty account and selling on there as I do not want to do a stall at a craft fair. Simply because the cost of printing ( via Printing Shop ) a reasonable amount of stock to sell !

Any ideas I would be very grateful

T
 
lol, sorry for the fat fingers on Asia, as I posted on smartphone.

I am in Essex and I am struggling to get my prints on a wall to sell. there is a community art shop that will display photos on a commission sale, however they work at a snails pace because they are volunteers, and there is a waiting list ! ! ! !

We do have a WhiteWall gallery in town and though the staff liked my work they informed I have to apply via head office which i have done and to date no reply ! ! !

All I can think of doing is setting up a esty account and selling on there as I do not want to do a stall at a craft fair. Simply because the cost of printing ( via Printing Shop ) a reasonable amount of stock to sell !

Any ideas I would be very grateful

T
You could try joining a local artist's society if there is one. Most of my exhibitions are joint ones with local artists which means that I need to produce artistic pictures which I find to be a good thing – no need to be sharp, for instance, one of my current photographs on exhibition is significantly out of focus and would be rejected by most photographers but artists do not care at all and they also do not like birds-on-a-stick type of photograph no matter how sharp. Story telling becomes everything.

I do not know if any of these art societies do exhibitions:
Blackwater
Brentwood District
Colchester
Harlow - Closing December 2022
Havering
Mid Essex
North East Essex
Saffron Walden
Thames Estuary
West Essex
Woodford Green
 
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You could try joining a local artist's society if there is one. Most of my exhibitions are joint ones with local artists which means that I need to produce artistic pictures which I find to be a good thing – no need to be sharp, for instance, one of my current photographs on exhibition is significantly out of focus and would be rejected by most photographers but artists do not care at all and they also do not like birds-on-a-stick type of photograph no matter how sharp. Story telling becomes everything.

I do not know if any of these art societies do exhibitions:
Blackwater
Brentwood District
Colchester
Harlow - Closing December 2022
Havering
Mid Essex
North East Essex
Saffron Walden
Thames Estuary
West Essex
Woodford Green
You make a good point.

The group I exhibit with is primarily an artists group (variety of media) and I am one of IIRC 3 photographers in the group. NB we don't meet as such other than at the exhibitions.....I think there are approx 20 'members' and the exhibition only has 11 spaces.

The curator/organiser is an artist herself and exhibits at every one.

PS sorry, should have said we are Surrey centred but I think some members are outer London and Sussex :thinking:
 
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lol, sorry for the fat fingers on Asia, as I posted on smartphone.

I am in Essex and I am struggling to get my prints on a wall to sell. there is a community art shop that will display photos on a commission sale, however they work at a snails pace because they are volunteers, and there is a waiting list ! ! ! !

We do have a WhiteWall gallery in town and though the staff liked my work they informed I have to apply via head office which i have done and to date no reply ! ! !

All I can think of doing is setting up a esty account and selling on there as I do not want to do a stall at a craft fair. Simply because the cost of printing ( via Printing Shop ) a reasonable amount of stock to sell !

Any ideas I would be very grateful

T
Local library or tearooms?,

I live in Cambs and we have a big Monday street market, but there are also stalls inside the Corn Exchange.
Seen a chap in there selling prints of planes, trains, wildlife and local views, presumably sells otherwise he wouldn't return.
Anything similar near where you live?
 
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I print mainly A4 but my art work I print in A3. The initial outlay got a bit much for me but now it's worth every penny. I've actually quite enjoyed experimenting with paper types and found lustre paper by PPD to be excellent quality, as is the Black Diamond brand.

The only downside is, it's quite tricky with my printer to get a good b&w without any cast. Colour is beautiful though.
 
I print and mount images for camera club competitions. It does feel more rewarding seeing a shot displayed in a mount rather than on a screen.
 
I have looked into getting say a canon Pro 200 which is apx £300 ish used and takes 10 cartridges at apx £10 each.
The hahnemuhle fineart baryta paper is apx £90 for 25 sheets

If I can get a nice flow of orders I would invest in the above !

For the saving over new I would go new. Printers can be unreliable and a warranty is worth it. Many other papers to choose from, Hmule are top dollar. Innova do some very good stuff, Permajet and PurelyPaper are great retailers. Permajet very helpful technically, PP excellent on price and lovely people.
 
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