I never considered printing for my clients until I attended a photography conference last spring and I saw first hand how stunning professionally printed images are. I mean, these prints and canvases took my breath away. I came home from that conference and I could not fathom my clients having any less than this quality when they wanted prints for their home. I want my clients to walk by their images every day and have that same breathless feeling.
The main reason I love printing for my clients is time! Not my time, but client’s time… they no longer have to sit down, find a place to order, figure out the online ordering system, upload the images, etc. etc. etc. I found that many of client’s images would just sit in the cloud for a year or two until I saw them again. It was time consuming to order and they never got around to it. I am guilty of this too which is why I wanted to offer this service. I take care of every part of the ordering process except choosing the photos. My clients do that! I fulfill each print and canvas, inspect it for quality and deliver it myself (if the clients are in the asheville area). I also offer custom framing. My clients can have their beautiful images hung up in their home within weeks of their photo shoot and they do not have to lift a finger. It’s so much fun!
Another reason I love to print for my clients is the quality of the product they are receiving. The professional lab I am affiliated with offers the highest quality archival, photographic paper. What does archival mean? Archival photo paper is a term used to define the longevity of a photograph or image on a photo paper. In other words, it is a measurement of how long the image will last without losing its color and without fading or changing tones. Basically, these images are heirlooms that will stand the test of time and can be passed down to future generations. My fine art prints are mounted for extra durability and can be displayed on a photo ledge as is or framed and displayed on the wall.
My canvases are printed with commercial-grade ink meant for outdoor use because it stands up to moisture, resists fading, and lasts a very long time. Many other companies use a water-based ink, the same as your inkjet printer at home, that bleeds when moist and fades quickly regardless of its location. Because the inks stand up to moisture, you can clean your canvas with a damp cloth with no smudging. They are also UV resistant, they will literally last a lifetime on your wall without fading if they are not placed in direct sunlight. The canvas itself is 22ml, poly-cotton and archival certified. Each canvas is stretched by hand here in the USA. They are truly stunning and I get so excited for clients to see them.
Lastly, I love to print images because of the message it sends to our children! For children in particular, looking at photographs is part of the socializing process; learning who you are and where you fit into the family. By displaying photographs of children at different stages of their lives, parents are making a very public statement that they are proud of them. Furthermore photographs connect us to those who came before. By letting kids see photos from the past and the present, they become connected to their own story.
I love connecting with photographers from all across the world and seeing the beautiful images they create in their surroundings This week I am sharing with you Iana Chtefan, an Aberdeen Family, Children and Personal Branding Photographer. She is sharing all about Spring time in Scotland.
Valerie Eidson is an award winning Asheville, NC photographer specializing in children, families and newborns.
