In a digital age where photographs are often shared through screens, the timeless appeal of high-quality, tangible prints remains unmatched. Fine Art Printing is a sophisticated technique that transforms your digital images into exceptional, gallery worthy prints.
We’re specialists in print and it shows on our Fine Art Album Paper.Â
Fine Art Printing (which is a type of print also sometimes referred to as giclee fine art print) is more than just printing an image on paper. It’s an intricate process designed to capture the full range of colours, textures, and details of an image, producing a print that stands the test of time. Unlike standard printing methods, fine art printing employs specialised techniques to ensure each print is of the highest quality, with an emphasis on longevity and aesthetic appeal.
But what exactly makes fine art printing so special, and why should it be your choice for your next album? Let’s explore the artistry behind this premium printing method and discover why it’s ideal for showcasing your cherished images.
Understand Fine Art Printing or Giclée Fine Art Print
As you delve into the photography world, you might come across phrases like fine art, museum quality, and archival pigments and prints. But what do these terms actually mean in the context of fine art photography?
In essence, a Fine Art Print is crafted to meet exceptional standards, and it’s often used in art galleries and museums. To understand what sets these prints apart, it’s important to look at two key elements: the type of paper and the inks used.
The importance of archival paper
The print paper used for fine art prints is a critical component. Fine art prints are created on acid-free paper, which is designed to resist deterioration and yellowing over time. Acidic paper can cause photographs to discolour and crack as it ages, so choosing acid-free, high quality paper ensures that your fine art print remains vibrant and intact for generations.Â
This principle extends to the mats and mounts used for framing for mounted or matted prints and our Matted Album. Acid-free mats prevent yellowing and preserve both the print and its presentation.
The significance of inks
The printers used for fine art printing are far superior to standard models. These high-end printers are designed to produce prints with a broad and accurate colour gamut. They utilise a range of 8 to 12 specialised inks, which allows for the creation of millions of colour variations.
This extensive palette results in prints with richer, more precise colours that faithfully replicate the original image, unlike the more limited colour range of standard printers used for generic photographic prints.
Unlike standard dye based inks, which can fade over time, pigment based inks are used in fine art printing for their superior longevity and colour accuracy. These inks penetrate the paper rather than sitting on top of it, which helps in achieving deeper colour saturation and resistance to environmental factors.
Our Fine Art Printing process
The experience of leafing through an album full of cherished images is as much about the feel as the look. So we ensure our albums are as lovely on the inside as they are on the outside.
The journey begins with a high resolution digital image, captured by a professional photographer. Fine art printing relies on the clarity and detail of the original file to produce a stunning print. This means that the better the quality of the digital image, the more impressive the final print will be.
Fine art prints are created using advanced printing techniques, this involves the use of high-resolution inkjet printers to apply tiny droplets of ink onto paper with exceptional precision. This process ensures that the colours and details are reproduced accurately, with a dynamic range that brings out the best in the image in an almost painterly effect.
We only use acid-free fine art papers and have searched far and wide to find the highest quality papers and broadest variety – from our popular smooth surface, matte finish Art White to our fine art cotton rag style, Photo Rag paper.
For each type of album, we’ve already dedicated time to choosing the right papers so you can be sure your choice is suitable for the product. Our Fine Art Album, for example, is only available in Art White because its robustness prevents ink transfer, and its white point aids contrast and saturation, capturing the piece’s best qualities.
Our Matted Albums and Client Folios are available in wider selections because mounts prevent the pages from touching when the book is closed, ensuring that each page maintains its fine art quality print.
Fine art printing is not just about technology, it also involves skilled craftsmanship. Our professionals in this field have a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of colour management, print resolution, and material properties. Their expertise ensures that each print meets the highest standards of quality.
Leading the way for superior quality
Inkjet is at the forefront of print innovation and achieves impressive quality, especially in the subtle details of highlights and shadows. We’ve become a benchmark for colour accuracy and high-quality print. We are proud to be one of only a few UK companies working directly with Epson so we can input our ideas and suggestions for the future of the technology.
We hold the exact details of how we achieve such incredible sharpness, accuracy, and consistency in your prints close to our hearts. But it involves high-end printers, archival-quality pigment-based inks, the latest HDR products, a climate-controlled workshop, a fully colour-managed workflow, and fastidious checking. The result, family memories and wedding albums that stand the test of time.
Why choose Fine Art Printing for your album?
- Longevity: Fine art prints are designed to last. By using archival quality materials and pigment based inks, these prints resist fading and deterioration, allowing you to preserve your cherished memories for generations.
- Exceptional Quality: Fine art printing captures the full spectrum of colours and details, delivering prints that are vibrant and true to the original image. The attention to detail in every aspect of the printing process ensures that each print is a work of art in itself.
- Unique Finishes: With fine art printing, you have a range of finishes to choose from, including matte, glossy, and textured options. These finishes enhance the visual and tactile qualities of your prints, adding an extra layer of sophistication to your album.
- Artistic Presentation: If you view your photographs as works of art, fine art printing offers an opportunity to present them in a manner that reflects their artistic value. Each print is crafted to showcase your images in the best possible light, making them perfect for framing or inclusion in a high-quality album.
How we can help
By choosing fine art printing, you’re investing in a print that not only captures the beauty of your photograph but also preserves it with the highest quality materials and techniques.
At Folio Albums, we specialise in bringing your photographic prints to fine art prints. Contact us today to discover how we can help you transform your images into exquisite works of art.
Want to see how your photographs look on our Art White or Every_ Album fine art paper? You’re welcome to use our FREE test prints service to compare digital prints with our fine art prints.
Image by S6 Photography.