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.
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