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Photographic Prints: New options for a lost art

When I went to school for photography, it was the dawn of digital photography and the start of a slow death for traditional techniques. Dark rooms, chemicals, frantic agitation and monolithic enlargers in one room, and clumbsy, pixelated digital prototypes plugged into box like, tan monitors in the next. It was a confusing no mans land. Kind of like puberty...no longer a cute kid, but too under developed to do anyone a service.
Now that technology has blossomed nicely for the world of digital cameras and photo software, it seems that, instead of creativity blossoming as well, I'm starting to detect a visual rut. I realize many photographers use the same gear and then photoshop, lightroom etc. in post and that is another topic altogether. However, it makes complete sense that because I've been looking at this "visual rut" on a monitor, that maybe it was the lack of the printing process that has taken the last step of creativity out of the process. I felt guilty that I couldn't remember the last time I took an image to a photo lab,(desktop inkjet doesn't count) to have a nice print made. I've inevitably gone back to my notes from school to revisit the past techniques, creative possibilities and especially the various nuances in photo papers, emulsions and print materials that not only complement subject matter but add a quality to the image that really brings it to life. Something a computer monitor just can't accomplish. Granted, among these techniques are many exercises in tedium that are time consuming, messy, and expensive. Fortunatley, past and present have merged to allow us to upload a digital image to a printer, select a print medium, and with a click complete the last step of the creative process.
When it comes time to choose a print surface choose something that works well with your image. There are a lot of fine art papers including rice, watercolor, metallic and homemade versions.
Traditional photo papers come in various thicknesses and finishes from ultra glossy to matte finishes that have a very flat look. Also, if you're in need of more exotic print surfaces, there are many to choose from. A new site called Tinymega Photo offers prints on wood, metal, plexi, vinyl, cotton, glass and dye sublimation prints on synthetic fabrics. They do great large format printing as well if you want your image to cover the wall.
There are many photo printers that are worth owning. The low end starts at around $1500 and goes skyward depending on your needs and budget. Ink costs and size limitations are some of
the drawbacks of owning. Depending on your location, photo labs are also an option. But, if you live in Arkansas your options maybe limited.
Ok, so logoff of your boring photosharing site, turn off your monitor, do a little research, and take your favorite photograph to the next level of creativity. Make sure you pick a substrate that complements your subject matter and commit the image to the printing process. It will give your image new life and a new skin. Almost like it's living and breathing right there on your wall.

Photo decor ideas

I just moved into a new space in Los Angeles and, being a photographer, I was looking for some new ways to introduce photography into the design of my interior atmosphere. As far as wall art is concerned, I'm not against putting a strong still image in a frame and letting it speak for itself. Travel photography is great for this. It gives a space a certain outward context and therefore a bigger feel. I know, sounds obvious, but it works. But, I also don't want my place to feel like an art gallery where I display all of my current work. That's what websites, photo books, and art shows are for. I realized I was looking for an alternative to a normal framed print.

So, I started to look for sites that offer unique photo decor ideas and alternative photo printing techniques. I found one site that actually offered both. www.tinymegaphoto.com
Tiny Mega Photo prints on metal, wood, plexiglass, vinyl, glass, and fabrics too. As for unique decor and gift ideas they have many. They even make 6ft shower curtains and table cloths with your image. I'd recommend giving them a try since most other photo sharing sites stop at framed prints and t-shirts.

For the do it your selfers, I searched photo decor. I was directed to a few DIY books and a link for video tutorials. None too creative though. Most involved a trip to the hardware and craft store and adhering a printed photo to wood or metal and applying several coats of varnish and then making a mailbox, birdhouse, or key chain. (Make sure you have a good thick print so the vanish and construction doesn't ruin the image).

If you look around, you'll find a lot of new spaces and blank canvases that would be a perfect place to display a cool image. Doors, refrigerators, beds, ceilings, tables.......
Whether you're doing it yourself, or letting the pros do it for you, pick a photo you won't get sick of and consider new surfaces and ways of adding a photo to your space.