I Finally Got a Photo Printer: Canon imagePROGRAF Pro-1000

Special Edition “Dead Inside” Print: www.nickcarverphoto.com/deadinside24
Shop All Prints: www.nickcarverphoto.com/prints
CHAPTERS
- Why I finally bought a printer: 00:00
- What I learned from making test prints: 2:49
- Making 7 big prints: 5:32
- Final thoughts: 12:58
B&H AFFILIATE LINKS
- Canon imagePROGRAF Pro-1000 Printer: bhpho.to/3rRaIA1
- Hahnemuehle Photo Rag 308 GSM 17” roll: bhpho.to/46P2nvs
- Hahnemuehle Photo Rag Ultra Smooth 17” roll: bhpho.to/3tP9qpu
- Pentel Arts Hybrid Technica Pens: www.dickblick.com/items/pente...
HOW TO SUPPORT
If you want to buy me a beer, click here: nickcarverphoto.com/contribute
ANALOG PHOTOGRAPHY STREAMING SERIES
- “3 Nights in Arizona”: www.nickcarverphoto.com/3nights
FILM PHOTOGRAPHY ONLINE COURSES
- Master Manual Metering for Film Photography: www.nickcarverphoto.com/metering
- Large Format Photography: www.nickcarverphoto.com/lf
VIDEO DESCRIPTION
Well look-y what we have here (in Biff’s voice). Ol’ Nicky C finally got himself a high quality photo printer. A 17” Canon imagePROGRAF Pro-1000 to be exact.
And I fear for what I’ve unleashed here, friends, because I found out pretty quick that this is going to be a new addiction for me. You know how much I love seeing my photos in print. Well now it’s at my fingertips…24 hours a day…anytime I want. Soon my house will be in disrepair, my wife will leave me, and my teeth will be rotted out of my skull because rather than repair the siding, spend time with my lady, and brush my teeth I’ll just be printing pictures. All day. All night. Nonstop.
But that’s okay. I’ll have a bunch of prints to keep me warm at night.
I’ve always left printing to a lab. I could never justify the expense of maintaining an inkjet printer. Because, you see, these things are meant to be used. The less you use them, the more they cost. But I’m finally printing enough (sometimes) to make it work. But even when I don’t have prints to make for customers…F it. I’ll just make test prints. I’ll keep the fluids flowing in this inkjet printer until it’s time to make a serious limited edition print for a real live customer. Because I’ve finally decided that it’s worth the effort of maintaining my own printer so that I can take 100% control of my workflow. From capture to scan to print…it’s all in the palm of my hands. Maximum quality, maximum control, maximum funsies.
Website: www.nickcarverphoto.com
Instagram: / nickcarver
*This video contains no paid endorsements of any kind.

[@RobertKarlBerta]

I am 76 years old so have been in the photo business for a "few years". I did a lot of 2 1/4" square and 4"x5" black and white and color photography but finally switched over to mostly digital about 18 years ago. I had a few of the Epson printers like the 3800, 3380, etc. but found them to be more likely to clog and spit ink even with frequent use. I decided to switch to the Canon Pro 1000 about 1 1/2 years ago. It is a superior printer with some serious engineering in it. It does require doing some tricks to save ink and ensure consistent work. Ignore the people who say a 1000 uses a lot of ink. When it is new it draws ink from the cartridges into the feeder tubes so once they are filled the cartridges will be about 50% used.... but that doesn't mean all that ink is dumped into the dump tank. Also.... the next cartridges will not need to fill the tubes again so will show a more realistic amount of ink left. If you turn off the machine each day it will go through a full purge, etc. cycle the next day and waste ink. There is an option in the setup to NOT auto shut off after so many hours of non-use. I also got a small Uninterruptable power supply that ran about $100 that I plug the printer into. It won't handle the print operation itself although haven't tested that.... it is solely to keep the power on in the event of a power failure. To keep the heads perfectly clean and unclogged I print a very small print every day. To ensure this when away for a few days I use QImage which has a utility to auto print a test print once a day. The QImage print can be reduced to to half of a 4"x5" print and uses a tiny amount of ink through all the nozzles. I also MUCH prefer to print using QImage which seems to yield better prints than through Photo Shop directly although Qimage can be run from within PS or externally. I am also an astrophotographer so print a lot of 16"x20" prints. That Pro 1000 yields prints that are spectacular. Most of my work from photowork but the printer is terrific with art reproduction. I love that I can switch from glossy or semi gloss to fine art paper and never have traces of the photo black polluting the matt black ink parts. That was a major issue with my Epsons. Recommendation...... make sure you get the latest Firmware update so you can have access to new features such as the maximum pano width now which is around 44" as I recall. I am not sure but it seems the latest firmware also improved the ink handling so wastes less than before. If you want to get all the ink out of your cartridges I recommend getting a digital weight scale.... mine was only around $25 and very accurate. You can remove and replace any cartridge so what I do i after the low ink warning comes on.....remove the tank and weigh it. I replace when it gets down to 45 grams. If it is above that you just put it back in the machine and it will show you the remaining ink left and not reset to a high number.

[@lr8621]

That seems to be a whole lot of work for a printer.

[@RobertKarlBerta]

@@lr8621 Not if you want to save money and not waste lots of $$$ ink.

[@35matinee]

It takes me 3 tries to get a good 4 x6 print on my home computer. I can't imaging handing off a 16 x 20 print to someone I can't supervise. What's the answer?

[@20111111jorg]

Same age here & got into digital since the very beginning. I still have my Canon Pro 9000 but hardly ever use if. Finally the print head clogged to a point where I don't think I can unclog it. I admire your dedication and hope you enjoy it as looking up an Ink set they run around $350 to $400! I'm thinking of getting back into printing but will either use my Epson eco tank which makes prints about 90% as good for one tenth the cost, ( & I use it daily anyway) or using an online service. The cost might be a little more, but to amortize the cost of a printer & inks may take years depending on how much you print. For most amateurs I doubt it will be worth it.

[@AllgoodthingsTv]

Nice video! I've been wanting to get back into printing. I used to print back in OS 9 using Colorsync, which actually worked pretty well with certain printers.

[@Necroblob]

You've kept my absolute attention for 15 minutes on printing. You're a genius and I love the passion. Thank you.

[@jerrywinter3103]

Right, I enjoyed it also

[@mattdayphoto]

I’ve been using this printer for a little over a year now and have been super happy with it. I’m sure you’ll make great use of it!

[@timothy790110]

8:26 don't forget to let the print dry for at least 24 hours before you roll it! This is very important!

[@markthompsonmedia]

Printing your own work is insane isn't it :) I love it. I started with the PRO2000 and now with the PRO4100. I think the thing I like most is when you sell locally and go to the persons house to hang it and chat with them about the passion behind the photo for a moment. That is such a good feeling

[@nicksmith1234]

Pro tip: roll your graphics so the print is on the outside of the roll. This allows the curl to go towards the wall or mounting surface for better adhesion rather than pulling away from it.

[@earlspiece9403]

Great presentation!!! Accurately portrayed what it takes to professional take on printing your own works and maintaining quality control of your products. Its a total investment of money, time, patience, pride and a huge attention to detail to get it right!!!

[@GrymmsPlace]

The one thing we can all be certain of, when Nick does a review, he is thorough, a perfectionist, and his endorsements are pretty much on point. A photographer friend of mine has this Canon printer. It's used for almost exclusively B&W and are astoundingly good.

[@86Jeoha]

I loved the video! It's fun watching the evolution of your craft, the dedication to quality and your passion for photography.

[@paullecomtenz]

Love this video thanks Nick. I've had this printer for 4 years now & am still amazed to this day what comes out of the beast. I've done the upgrade to the firmware but never had the guts to go big with a roll print - this has been the impetus for me to go for it.

[@ryanehoward]

Great video as always. It was interesting to see your process of developing exactly how you will get your prints to be where you need them to be. The best part though was the writing of your script. The call and response to yourself, the mini lecture on finding the right pen to sign, and last but not least jam jams!

[@TimMcBroome]

Hey Nick, I f'ing enjoy your videos so much! You bring joy to your processes and to the rest of us.

[@1980NikonF3]

Great video, Nick! I've been using this printer for just over three years now and couldn't be more pleased with the output quality and reliability. It does like to print every day, so dividing out your orders throughout the week as you mentioned is a good idea. On the days you don't have a job, just print out a test pattern to keep things moving without initiating additional cleaning cycles. The Media Configuration Tool is fantastic for setting up third party papers to perform their best. Keeping the paper as flat as possible through the machine will really help to prevent nasty head strikes. For those long panos, I use a section of 3" core tube with some kraft paper to reverse roll heavier media (such as RedRiver's PaloDuro Etching) for an hour or so prior to printing. Supporting these longer sheets both on the feed side and at the exit is also very important. When not printing, keep the unit covered to minimize dust and dirt infiltration and periodically check the paper path for any bits of paper debris that has a tendency to collect over time. Like you pointed out, the printing process is very addictive and the PRO-1000 will definitely feed that addiction with results that will keep you hanging on the edge of your seat waiting for that next spectacular print! Look forward to seeing additional videos showing how you bring more of your wonderful images to life with your new Canon printer.

[@gcookz86]

Great video, and thanks for posting! I've been printing on this printer for almost a year now and I absolutely love it. Selling prints has never been so convinient for me.

[@billymilligan1369]

This video is right up my alley! I am the proud owner of an Epson SC-P900 and I feel exactly the same when I print one of my own favorite images. Best wishes for your continued success! ... and thanks for the video.

[@faran-]

My god, I've enjoyed every second of this. It's addicting to see the thought and excitement that you put on your prints :D

[@brentmiller3250]

Great video! Wonderful attention to detail, and an admirable pursuit of quality control. Well done.

[@EugeneMaynard]

I have had this printer for years and totally missed that the latest firmware now gives us panorama printing possibilities!🥳 Thank you! 👏🏾👍🏾🙏🏾. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇸🇪🇹🇹

[@davidsellas5599]

Man I love your content. It's been nice following you over the years.

[@pointblank2890]

I just stumbled across this video and it's super entertaining and I love your energy!

[@danielson_9211]

GJ someone who finally gets it that printing feeling you get when you go from photo taking to the final product, you did it all, it's your baby.

[@jamescobb3967]

Been using this printer for several years. Was wandering when you was going to take the step. Can't go wrong with this printer. Have fun.

[@BriManeely]

That's.. oddly satisfying to watch. Also inspiring! Thanks for sharing your process 👍

[@LukeHealy]

Your sense of humour is absolutly brilliant! Love watching your vids.

[@vincentlamoureux422]

I did not think that a fun video about printing could exist but you did it! Congrats on your new printing baby and keep those videos rolling!

[@MasonZenji]

Hope you enjoy the printer! I’ve worked with it for years and it’s been great. Keep it powered on, it’ll help to keep the ink ready and the printer head in great shape.

[@PrintAdventures]

I bought a pro-4100 earlier this year and it's just so fun to see prints so quickly and so big. Such a fun investment.

[@bobadams1064]

Very interesting video Nick. I admire your thorough approach to experimentation. I’m surprised it took you so long!

[@jorgeflores9714]

Excelente video, felicitaciones. Tango la misma impresora y he estado revisando la opción de papel en rollo y con tu video me he decidido a ir por ese camino, de verdad te lo agradezco

[@4geckofeet]

I love the pen sequence. The video is entertaining throughout, and inspiring. I hope one day to be making enough prints where owning a printer is a worthwhile investment, thanks for sharing your experience and success

[@drasticmart]

Amazing passion and work ethic. Fantastic to watch

[@tompetersphotography]

Awesome video buddy! Such a great insight into the background work

[@CWJester]

I've been doing photography as a hobby for a few years now but really starting to get serious with it. All I have now is a 4x6 printer from Canon and have learned a lot about my compositions as well as other aspects you mentioned through printing. It's a good teacher. I hope to one day get a large printer like that if I do make a business out of it.

[@hfos]

Can't wait to hear more about those pens, Nick!

[@roachroacharito9113]

What a whimsical, informative & captivating video! This is the first I've seen of your vids, and I'm already a fan. You had me at Pentel Technica!😅

[@LarryManiccia]

Congrats Nick and welcome to the world of home printing! The Pro 1000 is a great printer. I agree printing your own work at home is addictive. Video was hilarious btw.

[@davekorbiger]

What a way to start the weekend and it’s time to place an order for some art! :D

[@akawicked]

Damn dude, you are so stoked and happy. Super enjoyed the video!

[@sdvidpix]

bro. love your attention to detail. I'm in the same spot, looking to do my own prints, and I'm loving your process here.

[@IsaacWolfOfficial]

Nick geeking out over learning new things is why I love this channel

[@lhygema]

Great video and I am excited you are printing your own stuff now. I can't wait for all of the color management rabbit holes we are going to dive into in future videos! You may want to look into a D-Roller. It will save you the unwanted accidental creases in your papers when reverse rolling to remove curl. They are not cheap but are quite effective and will save money lost damaging paper. ItSupplies has about the best price but you can find it a lot of different places.

[@typeraver]

Theres such great satisfaction being able to control the end to end process and do your own prints! Well done, and love your little B-roll clips, ha. Look forward to the darkroom ;)

[@needscel21]

awesome job dude! loved this video

[@richardraesr3482]

The attention to detail is mind blowing

[@seantomlinson3320]

Fun and entertaining as always. I don't use my 13" Canon printer nearly often enough but I sure enjoy it when I do! Time to go print something.

[@bobsykes]

It is really nice to know that a home sized printer can output work that meets your standards. I mean, camera sensors are so good today, Lightroom Classic, Capture One Pro, Phocus, are so good today, a printer, inks, and papers this good seem to complete the cycle for what we can do ourselves. Visual arts are unique in that they are usually a single person's work, in contrast to most other arts that benefit from collaboration, so this makes so much sense to me.

[@jaytolbert7538]

"Alright. Just let me do another twenty minutes on this ballpoint pen and then we'll get back to it." The Nick Carverism I was waiting for!

[@paulhead8718]

clicked on this for the printer review, didn't expect to be so entertained along the way! This coming wet weekend will allow me to work thru your back catalogue. Also, love your photography.

[@chilecayenne]

Start back on the Liquor Store shoot..that's what hooked a BUNCH of us.....they're all gold, but that's the one that got me.

[@dominey]

I've gone down the same rabbit hole. One thing I'd recommend experimenting with is sharpening, for I often see better results when applying more sharpening than what normally looks good on screen. You have to overdo it a bit because the printer is working with ink and paper, so some of that clarity and sharpness will be lost in the process. An effective tool I've found is the Smart Sharpen filter in PS, for you can save presets with different sharpening settings and re-use them later. Recommend giving that a try with your test prints if you haven't already!

[@peoplez129]

You don't even need to do that at all. What you really need to do is simply resize the image to match the actual resolution needed at the DPI/size you're printing at. For example, for a 4x6 print, you would resize an image to 1800x1200 before sending it off to the printer. When resizing in photoshop, you would use "bicubic sharper" resample setting. From there you shouldn't need to do any kind of extra sharpening unless the image was extremely soft to begin with. Images are tack sharp when done this way. Never let a printer resize an image for you, always prepare an image with the exact dimensions that will be printed.

[@kevinscotton]

This guy is a detail hyperfixating mad man and god i love watching it / feel completely seen and understood by it

[@gerardturnley1491]

So entertaining, great sense of humour mixed in with solid photography. Kudos ✊

[@analog_astronaut]

I absolutely love my Pro 1000 - Having the ability to print high quality prints at decently large sizes is a power that every photographer should have at their fingerprints.

[@harrisfogel6992]

Great video. I've done color profiling on this printer for paper companies. Great printer, love the egg beater noise at startup!

[@IanDocherty335]

A true craftsman and perfectionist. 👍

[@StephenWhitakerImages]

Come for the printing, stay for the epic macro b-roll love letter to a beautiful pen. Great stuff, and makes me want to get back into printing (and sign some stuff).

[@jeansebastientlebreton]

Very very helpful, thank you🎉

[@luigisacco3308]

One of the best videos I've ever seen.

[@timothysears6970]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video!

[@PVDriveWest]

I started doing my own prints about 5 years ago on an Epson P800 with the roll adapter. Incredibly liberating as well satisfying, especially black and white prints. My favorite paper is Canson Plantine Fiber Rag. Hope to upgrade to a 24 inch printer in the not too distant future.

[@fredericvittel4547]

thanks for the great video!

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Fun to watch!

[@archer41eh]

Printing pictures is addictive! I couldn't agree more.

[@bertdong1023]

I’m just so happy I am using the same printer as the Great Nick! I would say, this printer is the really good thing I have in my photography hobby. I got another Pro 4100 as well, for all the small sheet prints I will use the 1000, and large format rolls on the 4100

[@sebarosca]

It's print to see, that you are printing happy 🥰

[@scotterskine4745]

Well done, Nick. Always enjoy watching your videos. I've been using the pro1000 since 2016, and using Canon's printing utilities rather than printing from Lightroom. Lately been printing on Canson papers with their ICC profiles. I don't keep a big supply of inks on hand, just order a replacement as soon as I get the alert (!) when printing. Usually can go for several more days before actually running out. B&H or Amazon can typically deliver next day. As for feeding the curled paper into the printer, after letting it sit flat overnight, I hang the paper over a towel bar mounted on the wall behind the printer, and then feed it into the printer, as I'm pretty limited on space. But I still hover over the printer making sure it goes through the printer smoothly.

[@davidturner5]

Great video, Nick. When you showed the test print of the black and white desert shot right on top of the color saguaro shot, it looked really good to my eye. Their compositional symmetry reinforce each other somehow. When the day comes for me to buy one of your prints, I'll be tempted to ask for that stacked shot. 😉

[@gregwaugh8069]

I learnt a lot watching this. Had to look up 230 new words in the process but very enlightening.

[@AlejandroRVfoto]

Congratulations! Great work and great printer! I love print my stuff too, I have just the Pixma Pro-100 (and I love it) but I dream with the ProGraph-1000 some day in future. (not now because I was a victim of scam and I loose all my equipment, so, first I need to figure it out how to get a second hand camera again) What a nice upgrade made Canon to enlarge the cappabilities of the Pro1000, A2 size was big enough but the sizes you made, oh boy! I really like the video... Cheers Nick!

[@Tubeytime]

Love the video, it's really well presented and helpful for newbies like me. I didn't know what "dynamic range" was so I looked it up and I think it has more to do with camera lenses and not paper, but either way I learned it because of this video.

[@scbeer1]

I bought the canon -Pro 300 last year. Printing has re energized my passion for photography. ICC profiles, paper types, having a physical photograph to hang on a wall or my cube at work has been missing since I got into photography in the early 1980’s.

[@synaptophysin]

To save on paper & ink when working on a satisfactory print in a shadow or highlight area, I select just that area in Photoshop's printing Print Selected Area. Then I can print several variations on the same sheet of paper by selecting adjacent areas using the Position in the printing panel. This way multiple tests can be on one sheet of paper with room for notes on printer and Photoshop settings.

[@Lou-f]

back when I use to shoot regularly, I came close to picking up a 19" printer but the running cost of irregular use made me see sense. prints look great 👌

[@jonneye]

Great info/review. Thank you

[@EBARENZ]

OH MY GOD> THE PEN AD @ 7:20 killed me.. so so good 🤣🤣 love the enthusiasm and content as always!!!

[@alexandros-markovits]

Awesome and fun video!

[@Rezaroth]

I started this hobby like 5 years ago. My photography got way better. The way I see things to photograph became more critical. I broke two printers now but still, I'm addicted and currently saving for my third one. I recommend reading books about printing.

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

Superb. I must admit to having a love hate relationship with my printer. When it’s right it’s brilliant and I’ve had a lot of fun with different paper types

[@GeekApple78]

Best video about a printer ever !

[@charlesk323]

Outstanding. So glad you made the move....I have the Epson equivalent and it gets almost daily use-so much fun!

[@deepaktalwardt]

Dude, you’re freaking awesome. Haha loved that section on the pen.

[@SamMcGhee]

I've left my Canon printer of a similar model out in the garage for a couple years, assuming I wouldn't print in house anymore... but after this video, It's been dusted off, and placed back on my desk. I'm also ordering that pen. What a great look into a great process.

[@alansparks-zg2tz]

At last you have seen the light. Oh man you have hit the ball right out of the park. Brilliant work. you were made to do this. Now you are a complete photographer.

[@alexaitkenpost]

I have this printer too and I love it! Sometimes I do select the 'black point compensation' box in PS (when using photo rag) and it helps it become closer to what I imagined without going in and making adjustments to the image. It's probably taboo but it works for me (on some prints). However, I didn't use the printer for a few months and wasted $$$ when it flushed so much ink out. A savvy business move indeed..

[@goodwolf152]

I first discovered this channel from your video on the bed platform you built for your 4Runner (and you better believe I built my own using the template you provided, lol). I wasn't even a photographer back then...was just looking for ideas to convert my Xterra for overland camping. Fast forward a few years, and I'm now a (very) amateur photographer watching your videos to learn about all the fun I can have in that world, too. I expect I'll eventually have an original idea or two of my own, someday...until then, I guess I'll just keep borrowing yours, lol.

[@craigcompoliphotography1235]

Excellent video man.

[@worldofrandometry6912]

Printing at home is great. So satisfying.

[@kirtisozgur]

Tomorrow I'll buy a pro1000 thanks to you Nick.

[@sejalgpatelphoto]

Great video, Nick. I love the roll paper holder! Any tips on how to make one would be great.

[@Skranus]

I've always been fascinated by printing on paper since the days of analogue photography where I used enlargers and chemicals to print. With digital, I stopped printing at home and started printing through specialised labs. I miss the pleasure of printing, thanks for this video!

[@504cool]

Thanks for this video Nick, I'm looking at getting an Image Prograf Pro 1000. I normally outsource most of my prints, however I think its finally time lol.

[@m00dawg]

Haha those pens. I had to stop the video to laugh, then rewind it and watch that whole section again to laugh some more. Prime Time Nick Carver does not disappoint. Congrats on that beauty of a printer and those gorgeous prints! (And yes YES! you can fit a darkroom in there =) )

[@michaelraull6861]

Nick, love your work ! I recently found your channel and really enjoy watching your videos. Growing up in OC, extra cool to see the familiar spots turned into artwork 👌 Love it! How is the ink life in the pro 1000 and your experience with the printer? I've been contemplating this printer or possibly the pro 300. I appreciate your time!

[@dominikbargiel5553]

Hey Ansel! Reeeeallly nice work!!!

[@thomas.le_bras]

I saw your video in the suggestions. I do not intend to buy a printer whatsoever. But I was curious. And oh boy these were 15 minutes well spent because I genuinely laughed watching your video, not the 'blowing air through my nose laugh' but rather 'hehe' laugh. You kept me interested in something I was not interested about in the first place. That's a lot of quality work, you're doing here. I am now going to explore your channel a bit more !

[@rubyredphoto]

Lol you're so funny! Just hit that subscribe button. "You know what I'm excited about?.....THIS PEN!" was not expecting that lol

[@brianbeattyphotography]

great topic. I've always wanted a printer to have 100% of the workflow, like you said. cool overview!

[@user-fn2qe7rw3z]

Hi Nick, thanks for the nice and funny vid, I enjoyed watching it.

[@timothybagwell7318]

Excellent!

[@Dickeywood43081]

Great video as usual! I have owned this printer for over 2 years and absolutely love it. I love experimenting with different papers and textures. I would make one suggestion that you might try in using the the Canon Professional Print & Layout that cones with the printer. It makes some great test prints with different values of the CMY adjustment and Brightness and contrast as well. It also has a management side to the software for business. Give it a try as it is free. All my best