Print Info & FAQ
Thank you for your interest in my work! This page includes basic print information first with answers to more detailed frequently asked questions at the bottom of the page. If you don’t find answers to your questions please contact me.
Print Sizes
If you’re not sure what size print you need the mock-ups below may help. A general rule to serve as a starting point is that you want the framed piece to take up 40-60% of the wall area where you plan to hang it. Remember that print sizes indicated herein reflect only the printed medium and not any framing or matting.
You can include an extra 5 to 8 inches of width and height to account for framing of a medium to large-sized print. Increase that to 12 to 20 inches if you also want matting. Final dimensions are obviously subject to change depending on final framing decisions.
Standard Print Mediums (Paper, Metal, Canvas)
Standard print options for fine art prints are matte paper, glossy metal, and semi-gloss canvas. More details on each medium are provided below. Prints can also be purchased on other mediums (matte metal, outdoor metal, acrylic) and/or with custom framing as well. I’ll work with you to prepare a quote for your custom order.
Paper Prints
Paper prints are available on fine art matte paper. Some prints are also available on a lustre (semi-gloss) finish. These papers are archival in nature and as long as they are framed, hung, and maintained appropriately they will last for 100+ years.
The deep matte finish essentially eliminates glare but sacrifices a bit on depths of dark colors and color vibrancy. The lustre finish offers slightly deeper blacks, slightly more vibrant colors, and adds a noticeable amount of glare that I would describe as a shimmer. The images below show a close-up of the two finishes.
The hanging location, lighting, and selection of glass/acrylic affect the decision on paper finish. If you have uncontrolled light, cheaper glass, or a lot of windows you may want to opt for the matte finish. If you have a room with no windows, controlled light, and you’re opting for museum quality glass, you can probably get away with either finish and it becomes personal preference in that case. I recommend going with the matte finish if you have any doubts about how much glare you may encounter in your hanging space. You can find information regarding care and maintenance of photographic prints here.
Metal
Metal prints come standard with a glossy finish (see photo above). They are best for areas with controlled lighting and few windows. If you like the metal option but have uncontrolled light, matte metal prints are available as a custom order. Metal prints are created using a dye sublimation transfer process on high grade aluminum. They can be expected to last as long as traditional prints as long as they are hung and maintained properly. Metal prints are more resistant to heat and humidity than some other print types and are therefore often good choices for bathrooms and kitchens. Metal prints come with a 3/4″-thick inset frame mount (see photo below). The inset frame has a 1/4-inch lip so you can install your anchors of choice and hang the print on them. You can find information regarding care and maintenance of metal prints here.
Canvas
The canvas prints are built with thick, archival-grade canvas and archival inks. They are constructed with bulky 1.5-inch thick wooden stretchers to prevent warping and come with D-rings and hanging wire installed.They have a semi-gloss sheen and the typical textured canvas look.
You can find information regarding care and maintenance of canvas prints here. More information regarding canvas prints below in the FAQ section.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I didn’t find what I was looking for. Do you offer other products or custom orders?
Yes! I work with a number of professional print labs and have access to a wider variety of products than what is shown here. Please get in touch with me and we can discuss your needs and I can prepare custom pricing. I also offer wholesale pricing for all installations involving multiple pieces. If you are interested in my work I’m committed to helping you find a product that fits your needs.
Why aren’t all images available in all sizes?
Certain width/height (aspect) ratios require cropping that may result in the deletion of important compositional components and when this happens the photo just isn’t as effective. For this reason some photos are only available in certain aspect ratios.
Many factors also affect image quality and limit the maximum size that a file can be printed while maintaining acceptable sharpness. These factors include humidity, distance to subject, and equipment limits. Where necessary, larger prints are excluded to ensure sharpness at typical viewing distances. That being said, viewing distance does play a part in print size and apparent sharpness so if you need something larger than what is listed for sale please contact me and I’d be happy to discuss your particular installation setting and typical viewing distance to determine appropriate sizing.
Why is matting recommended?
Longevity of your print is ensured partially by keeping the print from touching the glazing (glass or acrylic). Matting provides a spacer between the print and the glazing, creating this necessary air gap. If matting is omitted, a spacer is typically included in its place to provide the separation. The spacer must be provided at the edge of the print in order to be invisible whereas the matting “reaches” into the visible space. As a result, the effectiveness of the matting extends further into the center of the piece which is especially important for larger prints. For smaller prints, both approaches are quite effective. For extremely large prints (48″ and up) it may be necessary to mount the print to foamboard to maintain an adequate air gap. Custom framers can provide this service.
Do you have recommendations on glazing options?
Museum glass is the preferred option as it provides reflection control and UV protection. It is more cost effective than museum-quality acrylic. Conservation clear glass provides the UV protection without the anti-reflective qualities. Conservation clear acrylic provides UV protection without the anti-reflection and anti-static properties. Paper prints are shipped loose for you to take to your local framer who can help you with the various framing options. I do offer custom framing for local projects as well.
Are your fine art prints open or limited editions?
All fine art prints on my website are open edition prints unless explicitly stated otherwise in the description on the ordering page. I am also available for commissioned work. Pricing for commissions are quoted on a per-project basis.
Do you have any resources to help visualize what a particular print or print size would look like in my space?
If you would like to see a mock-up of a custom piece in a photo of your actual hanging space please contact me and I’d be happy to do so.
Do you have recommendations for care and maintenance of my print?
You can find more information regarding care and maintenance of fine art prints here.
Are canvas prints as high quality as other print media?
The canvas material and printing process results in a slight loss of sharpness compared to other products. They also lack the depth in blacks that other media offers. These properties are typical of canvas prints and they are offered here because of their popularity and affordability. If you’re looking for a high quality photo print with ultimate sharpness and deep, dark colors I recommend paper, acrylic, or metal prints. In the image below, you can see what the blacks look like in a soft-proofed canvas print (left half) versus other media capable of deeper blacks (right half). The difference is subtle but noteworthy.
What kind of edge wrapping is used on the canvas prints?
Large canvas prints will have either an image wrap or a mirror wrap. With an image wrap the edges of the photo wrap around the sides and back of the canvas. As a result, some of the photo is “lost” to the edges and back. With a mirror wrap the edges of the photo are mirrored around the edges so the composition on the front isn’t unacceptably compromised. Most canvas will come with a mirror wrap but the most appropriate wrapping approach has been determined for each photo and each size. If you’re curious which wrapping approach is used for a certain print and size that you’re interested in feel free to contact me.