Printing for a Collector

[@dukaka2kaka886]

As an old timer, it makes me happy that you are printing your work. I can't stand it when good images live on a hard drive somewhere . Keep on printing! Love the 3 deogees too!

[@valentiphoto]

Thanks!!

[@Autorange888]

Ask how long the digital prints will last, they say 100 years? Who knows, accept that after that time the image be lost lost. Archival printing means using an alternative process, or using baryt paper, the fixed and washed print is toned with selenium. Chemists know that those print will last as long as the carrier of the image, that is the paper, it will last for several thousand years. That's what archivality means.

[@nopriors]

Such a beautiful woman. There is so much joy in someone buying your work Congratulations. Greg

[@ultraphotographer]

Love the way you cut

[@TerlinguaBBNP]

Such wonderful content and your positive energy, I felt like I was listening to late nightlight radio host, Dililah. Although I gave up my own printing long ago I do love your work.

[@valentiphoto]

Thanks for the sweet comment!

[@Voyageurhorsdutemps]

Wonderful and so beautiful. Thank you for your sharing ✨✨✨

[@andymcdonaldbnwphotos]

Thanks for sharing how you think about paper choices etc. and sending prints off to customers. Very helpful, and I really like the two examples you showed here

[@valentiphoto]

So glad it was helpful!

[@RobertoHernandez-du9yp]

Thank you for your tips Laura. Thanks for sharing.

[@devkulkarniphoto]

I am so happy that I stumbled upon this video Laura. On the 35th second I knew I was going to like and subscribe your channel. Your work is gorgeous and that print is pure perfection!! I predominantly shoot square so seeing those pictures on the back wall immediately drew my attention. Wishing you many many more subscribers!!

[@valentiphoto]

Oh thank you so much for the kind words! That makes my day! Love that you shoot square too. It’s such a lovely, balanced format. Happy photographing out there! ❤

[@Luisterralusa]

I prefer the version on the mate paper , it looks more natural , organic that's my opinion . Good work

[@Hebhansen]

Beautiful work… These papers are so amazing that you should leave the white border in full paper width 42cm for A2…

[@francisbombus3949]

Thank you for the inspiring video. I look forward to more. Greetings from Germany ✌🏼❤

[@JulieToffolo]

I really enjoyed learning about your printing process. Thanks so much. :)

[@valentiphoto]

Thanks for the lovely comment!

[@Boatzerama]

Beautiful ❤from Scotland

[@valentiphoto]

Thank you!

[@tompaste387]

Thank you for sharing. Love the Hahnemuhle papers too

[@tompaste387]

Just bought some Photo Rag bright white... awesome paper

[@CanonEurope]

Looks gorgeous ❤

[@valentiphoto]

Hey thanks!

[@seansimpson7245]

As a photographer as well , agree ....with others I've stated printing again ❤❤. Your glasses reflecting played with my OCD 😂😂😂 ..

[@djduffy1000]

Thanks Laura really enjoyed your Vlog and loved your images and your printing techniques and info. I am a photographer and I used to do all my own printing from analogue wet, Black and White and Colour and the onto digital. I loved the Hahnemühle range of papers, I really dug your intensity and passion about the choice of paper I don`t think all photographers or printers have that, but you do and that`s groovy. I have been away from photography and printing for some time due to family commitments but trying to get back into it. I was using a Epson Stylus Photo R2880 Printer which I liked but I think it`s harder to get the ink`s and a bit more expensive now, will have to do some research there I think. Many thanks for your video once again.

[@valentiphoto]

So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for your lovely comments. Wonderful that you're getting back into printing on your Epson. I hope you're able to find a good source for ink!

[@djduffy1000]

@@valentiphoto Yes that could be problematic and leading me to consider other models/makes since the R2880 is no longer available.

[@cliffordcs9787]

Hey Laura! Watching this really inspires me to chase my dreams and make it a reality. Have always wanted to make photography my profession rather than having it as a hobby while I work day in day out as a peasant. 😅

[@valentiphoto]

So glad it was inspirational! Happy photographing!

[@queative]

I truly enjoyed this and happy I’ve discovered your work and instruction! What I’m immediately taking away from this, and something I’ve should have learned long ago, is to create with more intent. Just looking at your workspace and noting your process speaks volumes about yours!!

[@valentiphoto]

Thanks so much! Happy photographing out there!

[@geoffcroft9439]

Hi Laura. I'm new to your channel. What a delightful and informative twenty minutes listening to you talking about and then watching your printing techniques. I also love printing my own digital files and so your comments on the various papers you use and the reasons for your choices was beautifully explained. Looking forward to your next video.

[@valentiphoto]

Thanks so much, Geoff! I wish you all the best with your printing! ❤

[@Pangeanus]

Hermosa energía y eres muy generosa al compartir tanta buena información. Gracias y soy un nuevo suscriptor, saludos desde Ecuador.

[@valentiphoto]

Gracias! ❤️

[@brianpalmer9217]

Thank you for sharing your process.

[@petercs6598]

Beautiful.

[@JohnPatrickWeiss]

What a lovely photo.

[@valentiphoto]

Thank you so much!

[@dfigphoto]

I loved this and needed it so much. Thank you.

[@valentiphoto]

So happy you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@andirutherford2615]

True with signing Ive spoiled lots of pics

[@stephenjones6902]

Great video, I found it very interesting, many thanks.

[@valentiphoto]

Glad it was helpful! ❤️

[@filmic1]

Thank you for sharing your process. I printed giclée's for a couple my own étalages 'years' ago using Piezography's 'Split Tone' inks from my scanned b+w negatives. I used Moab Entrada, Bright 13x19, Hahnemühle, Matte, Photo Rag 11x17, Fine Art, and Epson, Ultra Premium Presentation Matte. It was a steep learning curve, but I got to hang 21 prints, albeit in Ikea frames, for a month. Nice to see a professional's actual discussion and process.

[@valentiphoto]

Oh that must have been a gorgeous show! You used wonderful materials and processes. Love it. ❤

[@filmic1]

@@valentiphoto thanks for response! I hung them in a popular boutique Salon du Thé The owner told me it drew a lot of curiosity. No sales, but alas, it was worth it for my creative side, anyway. Thanks!

[@bluewaterstudio]

Beautifully crafted video and photographs. I am a fan of Hahnemuhle Fine Art Baryta and William Turner papers. Expensive, so I print Epson Premier Lustre for prototyping before an expensive 24x24" print on my Epson P7570 (love it). I only print in square format .. for some reason anything but square feels odd to me. So glad to have discovered your channel .. merci beaucoup from Paris. -Daniel

[@valentiphoto]

Thank you! You have great taste in papers! Totally agree that it's ideal to do test prints on something more affordable first. Happy photographing out there!

[@bluewaterstudio]

I've taken workshops in Mexico with my favorite photographer Keith Carter and I see strong influences in your work. Very nice indeed. My second home is in Cannon Beach, Oregon so I will look forward to your future workshops. -Daniel

[@valentiphoto]

Oh how nice! Keith is great! Would be lovely to have you in a workshop at any point.

[@darrendavy4248]

Beautiful work... Very helpful, thank you.

[@valentiphoto]

Thank you!

[@andersphansson]

Nice video 👍 Q; any rule when you add border to your prints?

[@valentiphoto]

Thanks! I generally don't add borders, but you can do whatever feels best for your prints! There really are no rules :). Happy photographing!

[@zlatkozarin5106]

You are wonderful, thanks for the video,,,

[@mildredcintron5499]

Thanks for sharing Laura. I love that image and your art. I’m getting into printing my own and this was very informative and right on time. You print in squares, do you have a suggestion for where to find frames for square prints?

[@valentiphoto]

Thank you for the kind words! Most frame shops have so called “readymade” frames, and they usually have smaller square sizes. You can also put a square print in a rectangular frame - with a weighted bottom (more mat on the bottom). That’s not a bad look. You can also get nice metal frame chops in any measurements you want at Neilsen and Bainbridge online. And there’s always custom framing, though that’s quite a bit more expensive. Oh - and there are frameless frame options too! Lots of great options to research. ❤

[@andreak4280]

lovely image! as well as the ones on the wall 👌🏼 How do you get your various paper profiles into the Canon printer for selection choice and do you have good luck printing straight to those nice papers right out the gate or are you doing constant color management / LCD Monitor color calibration? Also, where do set your monitor brightness when printing to get the image to be same look/feel as it appears on the your lcd screen? I will check out your channel to see your other vids, maybe this info is shared in a different vid(?) If not, could possibly be another tutorial 😅 thank you for any help reply if u can 🙂

[@valentiphoto]

Thanks! If you're doing color work, you can download ICC profiles on paper manufacturer's sites. I have a nicely calibrated system and I'm used to my monitor, used to translating prints between screen and paper, etc - but I still definitely have to make test prints! My monitor brightness is never all the way up, but it's not too far below that. I think the key is getting used to your system - and that just takes time and test prints. I don't believe you can do everything "by the numbers" and wind up with perfect prints. That's a great start, but testing, looking, feeling - that's always best, in my mind. I don't make tech tutorials (I like chatting about creativity and seeing more) but there are plenty of them out there. Best of luck with your printing! And, happy photographing out there!

[@bethgibson8190]

Thank you for showing this process. Trying to find nice fine art paper for inkjet can be overwhelming. Also printers if you can advise 🙏 Beautiful work🤩

[@valentiphoto]

Sure thing! I have the Canon ImagePROGRAF PRO-1000 printer and quite like it. There's also a larger list of my favorite papers on this Instagram post: instagram.com/p/C-OPeAsSf0i/. Hope that's helpful!

[@StandaloneVR]

Very beautiful ❤ Idea, to trim the plastic bag if it doesn't ruin the blades

[@petercs6598]

Hi. Interesting stuff. How do you solve the problem of colour casts when you print B&W photos ? It is difficult to get truly neutral and consistent results.

[@valentiphoto]

It’s actually not a problem if you just use the black and white setting in your printer dialog boxes - have your printer manage the color (not Photoshop/Lightroom). You can add a little toning in at that point, right in the printer settings. Hope that helps!

[@michellearlt8879]

Hi Laura! This video was so great and helpful! You're such an amazing teacher!! And it really makes me want to print my own images! Questions: how do you safely roll the print for the tube you send it in? Also, do you mind sharing the document you give about framing and handling? Thank you!!

[@valentiphoto]

So happy it was helpful! It would be amazing if you started printing your work, Michelle!! So for the tube, I choose a wider-diameter tube so prints are loosely rolled (4" or 5"). I roll them with the print side out (in the plastic sleeve). I also pad the top and bottom of the tube with foam sheets so the print is nestled nicely and won't move around during shipping. I just added the print handling/framing info sheet to my website here: www.lightatlascreative.com/print-info-sheet. Hope it's helpful! xo

[@michellearlt8879]

@@valentiphoto You rock! Thank you!! Btw, your doggies are adorable!!

[@valentiphoto]

@@michellearlt8879 Awww, thank you. They're the best!

[@Carloncho68]

Hi Laura, what is your opinion about the Canon PRO-1000 printer?

[@valentiphoto]

I love it. I had Epsons for years but they didn't do a great job with heavier-weight papers (baryta papers in particular). Highly recommend the Canon.

[@gennaro.di.iorio_photography]

​@@valentiphotoHi, it's nice to print at home. I wanted to know if these professional inkjet printers give problems like the cheap amateur versions, do they give problems if you use this printer after 2 months? I know that they are very delicate and the heads get dirty and give problems on the final print. What can you tell me about it? For now I have always turned to online printing services and the results are excellent and professional I have also had them print on very prestigious papers... Best regards. And happy photos.

[@valentiphoto]

@@gennaro.di.iorio_photography Oh no, they're very solid machines. Mine has been a fantastic workhorse for a few years. I don't worry much about the printheads clogging - that's never happened to me with this printer. Go check out reviews online - that's a great way to start your research. Happy printing!

[@frankstyburski814]

What inks do you use? What is the longevity of prints made on the ink/paper combinations that you use?

[@valentiphoto]

They're archival pigment prints made with Canon inks. The longevity is the best that can be expected with modern archival materials and digital processes.

[@frankstyburski814]

@@valentiphoto Canon typically guarantees longevity with their inks on their papers. Do you know what the fade-free times are for the canon inks on the Epson and other papers are?

[@valentiphoto]

@@frankstyburski814 Oh gosh, they'll likely outlive us! You can find the tech specs on all the paper manufacturer's websites. None of the top paper makers make printers or ink (and the top printer companies aren't generally known for making the best papers), so mixing and matching will be inevitable. Make the best choices you can with your materials (and make sure to choose papers that are specifically made for digital printing) and you'll be in great shape. Happy printing!

[@milarepalachasse5322]

Hi with your printer can you just use just black ink so the costs is not so expensive. Great work you have going with black and white photos! Thanks for sharing.

[@valentiphoto]

Thanks for the kind words! I have to use a full set of inks, because the images are sepia toned a bit (and I also print color images sometimes too). ❤

[@dw-et3gm]

Thank you for making this video. There are too many camera and gear video out there and not enough sharing for printing. Photography is about a print not camera, right?

[@valentiphoto]

Thanks for the nice comment! So glad you enjoyed it :).

[@pauldiming]

Hey Laura, I am looking at paper trimmers. Which Rotatrim are you using? I just bought an Epson ET-8550 that produces a max dimension of 13 x 19" print.

[@valentiphoto]

It's the "Rotatrim Pro Series 24 Paper Cutter / Rotary Trimmer (RORCPRO24I)". It was about $300 at B&H Photo Video a few years ago. I tried a couple cheaper options first, but they were either warped or they didn't cut straight (or both!). You really do get what you pay for with framing equipment, so it's worth it to invest a little more for a good tool. Happy printing!

[@pauldiming]

@@valentiphoto Thank you! Love your video. Very informative!

[@fredsons2241]

Just curious…you were able to use 1 sheet of paper to come up with a perfect print… (well acceptable for the client, comfortable for you)?

[@valentiphoto]

I've printed the file many times, so I perfected it in the past. But, when I haven't printed an image in a while (and when I'm trying out new papers for the first time), I always test. But yes, I'm starting with a strong baseline file. I might make little adjustments in Photoshop based on how an image looks on the new papers. I also used to print on an Epson and switched to a Canon, so I've had to test all of my images again and make slight adjustments to the files so they look great with the new system. And, if you haven't printed for a while and you have new inks in your machine, etc - you might also want to run a test print before printing on a more expensive sheet of paper. Hope that's helpful!

[@edsweed4604]

Thanks, Laura. How do you mount your photos to your wall? When you remove them is the paint or back of the photo damaged?

[@valentiphoto]

I just use BluTak - that gummy, sticky stuff. It hasn’t removed the paint, but every now and then I need to use new pieces (as it dries out over time). It generally doesn’t damage the back of the prints, if you’re slow and careful when removing it. The prints on my wall are all pretty banged up and damaged though - they’re just work prints. They’ve fallen on the floor many times, etc. So, I don’t really mind it. It’s a quick, easy, fun system - and it lets me change prints easily when I want.

[@edsweed4604]

@@valentiphoto Thanks for the quick reply.

[@tompaste387]

What paper do you print your 16x16 prints on?

[@valentiphoto]

It depends on the print - which paper it would look best on. Lately I'm using a lot of Epson Legacy Fibre, Hahnemuhle Bamboo, and Hahnemuhle FineArt Baryta for the bit ones. Happy printing!

[@tompaste387]

@@valentiphoto I'm using A2 Photo Rag Baryta at the moment, what size do you use to get a 16x16" print thank you so much

[@valentiphoto]

@@tompaste387 I use 17x22" paper. 🙌🏼

[@tompaste387]

@@valentiphoto thank you. I'm in the UK we don't always get the imperial sizes

[@smagriff6910]

Beautiful work , are these film or digital

[@valentiphoto]

Thanks! All of the image I print in this video were shot digitally (Fujifilm GFX100 and Fujifilm GFX100 II). A number of the images on my studio wall were shot on film (Rolleiflex and Yashica twin-lens reflex cameras) and printed in the traditional darkroom.

[@marky2A]

Thank you so much for this information. However. Even though you are offering info I DESPERATELY want, your voice is barely audible even with the sound at maximum and there are no closed captions. I finally find what I want and I cannot understand what you say. I will try again with an amplifier I just purchased, but could you please turn up your volume and enable the closed captions. It would mean the world to me. Your expertise is exactly what I need at this point in my life. I deeply appreciate your generosity in sharing what you know. Gratefully, Mark Wilcox.

[@valentiphoto]

Not to worry! Just click the little "CC" icon on the bottom right of the video. If the captions don't pop up right away, you can click the "settings" wheel and choose "English (auto-generated)" there and you should be all set. Hope you enjoy the video!

[@frankstyburski814]

Where do you get your printer profiles for the various papers and inks?

[@valentiphoto]

You can download the ICC profiles for different papers on the paper manufacturer's websites. If you're making color prints, that will be very important. You can also make custom profiles (or have them made). Happy printing!

[@greggarcia7324]

How do you keep your colors consistent when using two different paper stocks with different WB?

[@valentiphoto]

I make adjustments for each paper if I don’t like what I see on the first print. I also save image files for each paper type I typically use. So, if I get a file looking perfect on one particular paper, I make note of that in the file name and save it. Hope that’s helpful!

[@DannerPlace]

Lovely video and work. Give silver-gelatin a try...

[@valentiphoto]

I was a darkroom teacher for many years :). Love silver gelatin!

[@quantralef5950]

Why are you not wearing cotton gloves? Very unprofessional.

[@valentiphoto]

I handle prints with clean, dry hands and I print with borders for handling. Gloves are an interesting topic! I used to run Photolucida’s big portfolio review event and have attended many others as a curator/reviewer (like FotoFest, etc). At these events there are hundreds of top photographers, curators, gallerists, and museum professionals and no one wears gloves when handling prints. There might be one photographer with gloves asking curators to use them, and it’s not welcomed. It tends to be seen as amateurish or too precious. It’s interesting - museum archivists actually recommend not wearing gloves when handling treasured historical documents nowadays. So if clean hands are good enough for antique manuscripts and the like, they’re good enough for me! That said, if you’re handling glossy prints without borders (or if you use a lot of lotion, etc) it would make sense to wear gloves to avoid fingerprints and residue. Hope that’s helpful!

[@fuemue]

What a beautiful answer! Well done!

[@jorgesalas1422]

Increíble!!! Tengo una plotter Canon 6000 abandonado 😟... Quisiera retomar la impresión de fotografías!