A Short Guide to Photographic Printing Styles

A Short Guide to Photographic Printing Styles
Photo Credit: PetaPixel

Photography is often associated with wedding photos, polaroid pictures, and portraiture. However, there are many ways in which photographs can be printed and presented for display. Below we have listed a few popular methods and favorite printing techniques used in fine-art photography printing to elevate photography into a sought-after collectible.

#1. Giclée Printing

Giclée printing was created as a technique as computer technology simultaneously became available for use by artists. Giclée prints are an often lower-cost alternative for digital artists to make reproductions of their original artworks while reserving the original for separate sale or their personal collection.

In addition, Giclee printing is known for holding its color for far longer than a standard print; in fact, it is estimated that a giclee print can keep its quality for up to two hundred years before fading.

Finally, Giclee print can be done on various surfaces, including canvas, providing diversity to artists and their artwork. This and many other reasons make this printing method a popular choice.

#2. C Type Printing

Digital C Type or Chromogenic print refers to a particular type of photographic printing that uses digital technology in lieu of traditional darkroom techniques. In that older analog development style, an enlarger was used to project images of a negative onto a sheet of photographic paper while the enlarger controlled the focus, intensity, and the amount of time the light projected for processing.

With a digital C Type, this entire process is instead controlled from the computer while the paper is printed using lasers or LEDs. The final step is very similar between the analog and digital methods, with the paper processed in a photographic developer and then a bleach fix before being washed and dried.

It could be said digital C Type is the modern version of traditional photographic printing giving a unique and authentic look and feel to digital printing, making it another great option.

#3. Archival Pigment

Archival pigment printing uses a process where non-degradable and ultra-resistant pigment particles are mixed to create a print that is erosion or fade resistant to ensure longevity. This is an old print style tracing back to the 19th century.

However, today’s version is vastly enriched in many more shades and styles, making archival pigment prints great for artists who make work on demand rather than a mass series.

#4. Photographic Print on Metal

Although this is a relatively old printing technique, there has been a resurgence in its popularity as it provides a metallic printing option on sheets of real metal while also being usable on photo paper infused with the qualities of metal to create the same look.

This method is quite a unique one that creates a unique-looking artwork that can lean towards either modernity or tradition, which also takes a long time to fade while being scratch and peel-resistant.

#5. Contact A Specialist For Photography Printing Assistance

For photography printing, it is best to contact a specialist for assistance. A photography printing specialist can provide you with the best quality prints and will ensure that your photos are printed correctly. They can also offer tips on how to take care of your prints and keep them looking their best.

In addition, a photography printing specialist can help you choose the right paper and ink for your photos. They can also help you select the right size and format for your photo prints.

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