In today’s digital era, where sharing photos online is the norm, printed images still hold a special place. But not all prints are created equal. If you’ve ever been disappointed by lacklustre colours or faded memories from high street printing, you’re not alone. Enter fine art printing, a method that transforms your memories into vibrant, museum quality prints designed to last a lifetime.
What sets fine art printing apart from high street alternatives and why it’s the ultimate choice for preserving your cherished images.
What is fine art printing?
Fine art printing, also known as giclée printing, goes beyond simply transferring an image onto paper. It’s a meticulous printing process using archival papers and highly pigmented inks that capture the finest details and textures, give outstanding colour reproduction and result in prints that are as much works of fine art as they are photographs.
Unlike standard high street printing, fine art printing emphasises quality, longevity, and craftsmanship. With acid-free paper and advanced technology, Fine Art Prints don’t just look stunning, they’re designed to stand the test of time. Fine art printing is also much better for the environment as water based inks are used and their is no silver halide printing methods that require toxic chemicals.Â
Why high street printing falls short
High street printing may seem convenient and affordable, but it often compromises on quality. Here’s why:
1. Inferior materials
- Paper: High street prints are typically made on low-cost, mass-produced paper that’s not archival. Over time, the prints can yellow, crack, or deteriorate, leaving your photos looking aged and brittle.
- Inks: Standard dye-based inks used in high street printing fade quickly when exposed to light or heat, causing your photo prints to lose vibrancy within a few years.
2. Limited colour and detail
- High street printers have a limited colour gamut, resulting in dull, inaccurate colours that fail to replicate the original image.
- Details in high-resolution images are often lost, leaving prints that look flat and lack depth.
3. Inconsistent results
Automated high street printers prioritise speed over precision, often producing inconsistent colours, cropping errors, or alignment issues. This lack of care can ruin the presentation of your photographic prints.
4. Lack of customisation
Most high street options are one size fits all, offering few choices for paper type, texture, or finishes. This limits your ability to create prints that match your style or the story you want to tell.
5. Poor longevity
Between non-archival materials and fading inks, High street prints simply don’t last, especially when compared to fine art paper options. For important memories like weddings or family milestones, this short lifespan can be a heartbreaking compromise.
What makes fine art printing superior?
Archival paper for lasting beauty
Fine Art Prints use acid-free, archival-quality paper designed to resist yellowing and deterioration. This ensures your prints remain vibrant and intact for generations.
At Folio Albums, we’ve carefully selected papers to complement each product. For example:
- Fine Art Albums: Feature our robust Art White paper, perfect for vibrant colours and prevents ink transfer between pages.
- Matted Albums: Offer more paper options, as the mounted designs prevent contact between pages, preserving each print’s quality.
Pigment-based inks for vibrancy and longevity
Fine art printing uses pigment-based inks, which:
- Provides a richer colour range with millions of variations, ideal for fine art photography.
- Pigment inks that penetrate deeply into the paper, achieving vibrant hues and resistance to fading, unlike standard inks.
- Last for decades, unlike dye-based inks used in high street printing.
Precision technology and craftsmanship
Fine art printing combines advanced inkjet technology with expert craftsmanship to produce high-quality photographic prints. At Folio Albums, our fully colour-managed workflow and climate-controlled workshop ensure every print is sharp, accurate, and consistent.
We’re proud to work closely with Epson, using cutting-edge printers that deliver exceptional quality, from subtle highlights to intricate shadow details.
Customisable finishes
Fine art printing offers a range of finishes, matte, glossy, or textured, that enhance your photos’ visual and tactile qualities, elevating them to true works of art.
Why fine art printing is worth the investment
Choosing fine art printing over high street alternatives means investing in:
- Longevity: Prints designed to last for generations, preserving your memories beautifully.
- Unmatched quality: Vibrant colours, sharp details, and superior materials that showcase your images as intended.
- Artistic value: Â A presentation that transforms your photographs into gallery-worthy pieces.
For professional photographers, fine art printing reflects the care and expertise you bring to your craft, offering clients a luxurious experience that enhances the value of your services.
See the difference for yourself
At Folio Albums, we specialise in fine art printing to help photographers and clients preserve their most treasured moments. Take advantage of our FREE test print service to compare the difference between digital prints and our fine art prints.
Contact us today to learn how we can elevate your photography business with stunning, long-lasting printing that truly stand out.
If you found this blog article useful you might want to check out: what is fine art printing?
