Where to print large format in UK / Europe

hugues

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I have a couple of reasonable shots from a recent safari which I'd like to have printed in large format. They are RAW files of wildlife and I'm thinking A1 or even A0 in B&W could be good. Can anyone recommend someone who could do this in the UK or Europe? Many thanks
 
I'd suggest deciding on what type of print/paper you would like. Is it for personal use, exhibition, commercial sale? This will dictate the best type of print for your image.

C-Type: Is a photographic process using light sensitive paper processed through chemistry and exposed by a printer using RGB LEDs (like an inkjet, but using light instead of squirting ink). It has a wide range of colours and is particularly good at rendering subtle tones and contrasts. Paper types are typically Gloss, Lustre and Metallic.

Giclee: Is the term used to describe prints produce on a professional inkjet printer. There are now many types of papers that can provide distinct looks to images. 100% cotton canvas and fine art papers (similar to watercolour paper) are the most popular due to their almost non-reflective surface and usage for display. Giclee prints offer a high contrast and burst of colour to images, though areas of solid darker tones are especially susceptible to marking.

Laminating: Applying a laminate to an image can protect the image or provide an alternative surface texture. Gloss, Lustre and Matt are the most popular types of laminate, but you can also have canvas texture laminates (amongst others). Whilst they offer great protection for prints, they also lower the contrast slightly and can also add a very slight colour cast. Laminating is usually done out of necessity.


Remember that some printers are limited by print size as to which of the above they offer (so some printers cannot produce a C-Type 30"x20" print and would instead supply you with a Giclee at this size). Any professional lab interested in new customers should be willing to provide a 'section sample', allowing you to see a crop of your full size image on your chosen paper stock.


Chris.
 
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As Chris says, first decide what sort of print you'd like. Dscl will be an inkjet print in the size you want, Peak Imaging will do a c-type print up to 40x30 (not sure off the top of my head about their inkjet prints), and the print space will go even larger for both c-types and inkjet (they have good choice of papers for inkjet)

Personally I'd either go for a c-type print from peak imaging or the print space if inkjet (they do a good sample pack of paper types), although I do use dscl for all my smaller prints
 
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