Photo vs. Art Prints

Photographic Prints and Art Prints share similarities but also have differences in terms of their production process, materials, and purpose.

Photographic Prints are reproductions of photographs, which are typically produced using photographic paper and chemicals in a darkroom or using digital printing technology. They are intended to capture the realistic detail and tonality of the original photograph, and are often used for documentary or journalistic purposes.

Art Prints are photographic prints produced with the intention of creating a work of art. They may involve specialized printing techniques or materials that are chosen to enhance the visual qualities of the photograph, such as color vibrancy, contrast, or texture. Art photographic prints are sometimes produced in limited editions and may be signed by the photographer or artist.

While both photographic prints and art photographic prints are created using photography as their primary medium, art photographic prints often have a more creative and expressive approach to the subject matter, focusing on the artistic qualities of the image rather than simply reproducing a realistic representation of the scene.

Acid-free, pH-neutral papers

Giclée Inkjet-printed with archival pigment inks

In summary, photographic prints are reproductions of photographs intended to capture realistic detail and tonality, while art photographic prints are photographic prints that are created with the intention of creating a work of art, using specialized printing techniques or materials to enhance the visual qualities of the image.

Photographic prints are created by exposing light-sensitive paper to the image (whether by digital automated photo printing machine. It used to be accomplished by exposing shining light through the film negative

Our Photographic Prints have a longevity of 100 years in typical display conditions and 200 years in dark storage.

Fine Art Prints are printed with archival pigment inks that significantly enhance the visual brilliance of both your color and black & white images. These inks also have a substantial longevity that keeps your images beautiful for generations.

Historically, photographic images were printed onto light-sensitive papers, whereby a film negative was projected by an enlarger onto the receiving photo paper. A latent image was captured on the light-sensitive paper with light. This exposed image, or silver halide image, became visible when agitated in a tray of photo chemistry. The resultant black and white continuous tone print revealed beautiful tonal range and stable archival properties when washed properly. Color prints or type C-print acquired a latent dye image in a similar manner and developed in color photo chemistry.

Traditional photographic printing service is available still today, but the enlarger has been replaced with the “digital laser imagesetter.” The disappearance of the 35 mm film negative removes the potentially grainy overall appearance. A sharp image back then was also affected the quality of the enlarger lenses. The replacement printer, the laser imagesetter, instead uses a system of red, green, and blue lasers to expose the image onto traditional photographic paper. The laser imagesetter offers one keen advantage, and that is, it offers an apparent resolution of 4,000 DPI! Even late 2013, this  feature remains unmatched in the open market.