By Courtney Saba
Photography captures an instance of time in a simple image. Large format printers present it with high quality and big impact. The following artists utilize large format digital printers to convey a story without words.
Tyler Stableford – Artistic Adventurer
Tyler Stableford is predominantly an assignment photographer and cinematographer. In 2014, he began printing in large format as a way to showcase his new portraiture series on American farmers and ranchers.
“Once I saw—and experienced—how much radiance and life the large format prints had over the digital images on screen, I was hooked,” says Stableford. Printing out of Carbondale, CO, he captures imagery of the American West, whale sharks, people, and anything else that is inspirational in the moment.
Found in his studio are Canon U.S.A., Inc. imagePROGRAF iPF8400 and iPF9400 44- and 60-inch printers, respectively. According to Stableford, these systems create an integrated workflow, from capture to output. The profiles for Canon media allow him to print large prints with minimal to no adjustments from the original digital images.
Consumable preferences include the 12-color Canon Lucia EX pigment ink set and media from Canon. “I love the Artistic Matte Canvas cotton/polyester blend for its mix of painterly and photographic qualities,” he explains. This is favored primarily because his photos are generally displayed as gallery wraps without glass. Another substrate Stableford is interested in is one of Canon’s newest introductions, Premium Metallic PhotoGloss Paper.
In reference to Artistic Matte Canvas and Premium Metallic PhotoGloss Paper, “they are different ends of the spectrum, yet both are very high quality and really bring images to life. There is a soul to these papers,” explains Stableford.
Although he only prints once or twice a month, Stableford says it is always a joy to share the art with others. Not a primary source of profit, he does not promote his fine art prints extensively, but showcases his work in a couple of Aspen restaurant galleries.
As with all technology, there are always challenges to overcome. The greatest difficulty for Stableford was dedicating enough space in his office for the large printers, as well as putting in the time to develop the craft of high-end printing with his team.
Offering reproductions helps introduce new clientele. Stableford admits his client base has grown, and hopes it continues to do so, but more importantly he wants to create a connection to his work. “The biggest reward is that it connects me to people who appreciate the art and perhaps feel a similar resonance with the subjects,” explains Stableford.
Jay Seldin – Teller of Tales
Through large format printing, NJ-based digital printmaker and photographer, Jay Seldin, services fine art painters and photographers looking to reproduce their images. Anticipating the explosion of this new service to the printing scene, Seldin purchased his first wide format digital pigment printer around 2001.
Today, Seldin uses an Epson Stylus Pro 9890 44-inch wide printer, Epson UltraChrome K3 pigment inks with Vivid Magenta, and Canson Infinity media.
The ink set utilizes eight colors including auto switching between Photo and Matte Black ink. Seldin says the pigment inks provide the best longevity for printing on Canson products. “The papers have a great rag base. The inks sprayed onto them are beautifully absorbed into the fibers and create a waterproof bond of lovely watercolor inks,” he shares.
Seldin outputs large format digital prints several times a week portraying various subject matters, differing from client to client. In his own work, Seldin classifies himself as an environmental portrait and social documentary photographer. Searching for commonplaces with compelling people or objects is how he creates art that can tell a tale. His ability to capture a story through a camera lens has led to receiving a number of awards and honors, as well as exhibiting his work in many venues.
The investment into digital technology allows Seldin’s client base to continue to grow. Offering this service is a way for fine art painters and printmakers to provide economical reproductions of their expensive, one-of-a-kind pieces. He continues to create business opportunities and profit. “It is a competitive environment, but it can be profitable if you market yourself and your business to the correct target audience,” recommends Seldin.
Brad Temkin – Making Moments
Referring to himself as “just an artist,” college professor and photographer, Brad Temkin, shares his appreciation of art by teaching his passion to students at Columbia College in Chicago, IL.
An educator since 1984, Temkin has been a photographer since 1974 after earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts in photography at Ohio University and then his Master of Fine Arts at the University of Illinois soon after.
Geared more toward the fine arts, Temkin’s subject matter varies between people, architecture, and landscapes, but more importantly what is surrounding him at the time of capture. “It’s more of an awareness of the moment. I’m interested in making a picture as opposed to just taking a picture,” shares Temkin.
He says the photo taking process as the moment where everything comes together. It’s not necessarily an event—it’s the way the light hits a structure or the way a shadow falls in the afternoon. Every instance differs.
As technology progressed, Temkin began digitally printing around 2000 and then started printing in large format. He originally outsourced and used an Iris printer, but then switched to an Epson Stylus Pro 9600.
Today, Temkin owns a 44-inch Epson Stylus Pro 9900 suggested for use with Epson UltraChrome HDR ink, which is a ten-color, pigment-based ink system with new Orange and Green inks. He finds the Epson to be easy to use—doing exactly what he wants it to do. Originally choosing this particular manufacturer due to the high ratings of its profiling features, the choice paid off down the road.
Passionate about his media, Temkin uses Innova Art, specifically a gloss finish paper. Innova produces a consistent paper that he loves for the smooth finish, great quality control, neutral base, and it always prints well with his Epson Stylus Pro 9900.
“Aesthetically, the paper produces the look I am trying to achieve. The color rendition is accurate and neutral, never too bright. The ink lays right on the paper and there is never any bronzing,” shares Temkin.
Temkin prints every couple of weeks, depending on exhibits. He continues to showcase his work to multiple museums and venues throughout the U.S. and abroad, as well as instill his passion and knowledge of art and photography to his students. Large format printing presents both personal and business potential for this professional photographer.
Living Large
Every moment is changing, and through a quality photo, a photographer can share a vision without words. This form of art allows beauty and significance to remain trapped in time, giving the viewer the opportunity to glimpse life through the camera lens.
Photographers use large format digital printing to share these moments. Technology progresses to accurately recreate what was initially seen behind the camera lens and depict the intent of the artist. Hardware, software, ink, and media all play a role in this.
A niche market, large format photography printing provides business opportunity and profit potential. Once an image is taken, it can be printed countless times and dispersed all over for anyone to see, appreciate, and even purchase for their personal enjoyment.
Feb2016, Digital Output
