Fine Art Prints:
Matting and Framing:
Orders and Shipping:
Licensing, assignments, special projects:
Fine Art Prints:
How do you make your fine art prints?
I use the Giclée method to create my fine art photographic prints. This term (pronounced “zhee-clay”) was coined by the folks at Nash Editions--pioneers in the use of professional inkjet printers and pigment inks to create photographic prints of unsurpassed color fidelity and longevity.
As an important bonus, Giclée printing is also more environmentally friendly than the old wet-chemical method of making color photographic prints.
I'm a huge fan of Graham Nash (yes, THE Graham Nash). I love his music and admire his contribution to photography, but I wish he hadn't chosen a fancified fake French name that no one can pronounce (with confidence) for this process. But it's stuck, so we're stuck with it.
What materials do you use to make your prints?
My fine art prints are made with pigment inks on natural cotton papers. Currently I am using Epson’s UltraChrome pigment Inks and Crane Museo Fine Art Paper.
Pigment-based inks last much longer than dye based inks because they have greater resistance to ozone, humidity and water than dye based inks. Paper made from wood pulp has to be processed to remove the lignins and other impurities from the cellulose used for paper. It needs to be bleached to make it white. These processes create a lot of industrial wastes. Cotton paper is naturally white and acid and lignin free. It is 10 times stronger than wood pulp papers, and is environmentally friendly in both processing and as a renewable resource.
How long will my print last?
Why do you call your cards "Keepsake Cards"?
Because I use the same quality materials to make my Keepsake Cards as my fine art photographic prints. Each card is enclosed in a mat, will fit perfectly in a 5x7 frame, and will last, with care, for generations.
What is the difference between a limited and open edition print?
Both limited and open edition prints are made with the same materials and care. When properly displayed, both will last for generations.
The smaller print sizes are offered as open editions. This means there is no predetermined limit to the number I will sell. This allows me to offer reasonably priced prints to people who want a smaller print or who don’t have the budget for a large, limited edition print.
I offer only my most unique and technically perfect images as limited edition prints. In all cases the limited edition is the largest size print available. Only 10 copies of a limited edition print will be made. Limited edition prints are signed, numbered, and come with a certificate of authenticity.
What is a Certificate of Authenticity?
A Certificate of Authenticity is kind of like a pedigree for your fine art print. Many States require that a Certificate of Authenticity accompany a limited edition print.
In my Certificate of Authenticity you’ll find a thumbnail image of the print; a description of where, when and how the photograph was taken; information on what materials and processes were used to print it; and other details. All this information authenticates the uniqueness of your print.
How should I care for my fine art print?
Although your fine art print is made with the finest materials available, you’ll want to take reasonable care to insure that you are able to enjoy it for many years to come.
Even a properly framed print should be protected from exposure to direct sunlight and extremes in temperature and humidity. A frame that is exposed to direct sun and external heat sources like furnace vents and fireplaces can expand and break the seals that protect your fine art print.
Rapid changes in temperature and humidity can also cause condensation, which may stain the print or mat and promote the growth of mold. Even moderate changes in temperature and humidity can occasionally cause your print to buckle. This should correct itself when the conditions return to normal.
Matting and Framing:
Why do you offer both matted and unmatted prints?
The style of mat I offer is called a gallery mat. Art galleries usually prefer that framed photographs have plain white mats so that the photograph visually stands on its own. Many people like the simple clean presentation of a gallery mat.
I offer unmatted prints for people who want to be more creative in their choice of mat color. Since choosing a mat color and style depends so much on personal taste, your local frame shop is better equipped to help you make that choice.
Why do you call your mats "ready-to-frame"?
Because they contain everything you need to frame your print except the frame and glazing. In addition to the window mat and back mat, your ready-to-frame package includes the backing board needed to support your print in a frame. Your local frame shop can help you select and assemble your frame and glazing.
Is there anything special about your ready-to-frame mats?
Yes! I use only archival materials and methods to assemble your ready-to-frame mat. This means that all of the materials are acid free and buffered, and all of the methods are fully reversible should you ever choose to remount your print in a different mat.
The window mat and back mat that protect your print are made of pure cotton. These mats are naturally acid free and contain calcium carbonate as a buffering agent to help protect your photograph against environmental contaminants.
I cut the window mat so that it leaves a 1/2 inch border of plain paper around your print. I think this gives your print an elegant look and has the added benefit of assuring that none of your print is obscurred by the mat.
I print your photograph with a substantial margin and then attach it to the back mat along the top margin with archival hinging tape. In addition to being acid free and buffered, the tape uses a water based adhesive that is removable and, as a bonus, has no polluting solvents.
Even the backing board that I include with your ready-to-frame package is made of acid free foam core covered with a pure cotton facing.
Why don’t you offer framed prints?
To be honest, I just don’t have the room! I hope soon to be moving to a larger studio. When I do, I’ll be able to offer a selection of simple frames to complement my matted prints.
Orders and Shipping:
How long will it take to get my order?
I print and prepare every order myself. If I am in my studio this takes about 3 days since the print needs to cure for at least 24 hours before shipping.
Of course, I’m often traveling in search of new images and showing my work at art fairs. If I’m on the road when your order comes in, I will not be able to process it until I return to my studio. If this is the case, I’ll send you an email with an estimated shipping date. If the timeliness of delivery is very important (perhaps you’re doing some last-minute gift shopping) I’d suggest you either call me on my toll-free number or send me an email to find out my travel schedule.
Is my credit card information secure?
Yes. If you check out using a credit card, this information will be retained only long enough to process your order. I do not save your credit card information for future purchases.
My site uses Secured Socket Layer Technology (SSL) to ensure that your financial information is encrypted and transmitted safely when your payment is processed. You can verify this by looking at the lead characters on the web address (URL) of the page requesting your financial information. Web pages that are protected by SSL technology begin “https:” instead of the usual “http:.” You may also see a key or closed lock symbol in the lower left hand corner of your screen.
You can also check out using your PayPal account. When you do, PayPal is responsible for protecting the privacy and security of your financial information. PayPal does not share your financial information with me directly.
When will my credit card be charged?
Your credit card will not be charged until your order is shipped. However, when the order is placed your credit card company will reserve a portion of your available credit balance for the eventual fulfillment of your order.
Why should I create an account when making a purchase?
The main reason to create an account when you make a purchase is so that you won’t have to retype your contact information when you return to make another purchase. The choice is completely up to you.
You will also have to create an account in order to take advantage of some sales and special promotions. This is because some promotions, like the new subscriber discount I offer to people who subscribe to my newsletter, can only be used once.
How do you protect my privacy?
If you create an account, your contact information is stored in a private and secure location on our server. I will never sell, trade, or rent any information that identifies you to anyone. See my privacy and security policies for more information.
Can I track my shipment?
My preferred shipper is the United States Postal Service (USPS). I find they are just as reliable and less expensive than their competitors. Small orders under 13 ounces are shipped first class mail which can not be tracked en route. The USPS will send you an email with tracking information for larger orders sent Parcel Post.
Licensing, assignments, special projects:
Can I use one of your photos on my website or in a publication?
All of the images on www.greatlakeseditions.com are available for licensing for editorial, commercial, and other purposes. If you’d like to use one of my photographs, please contact me by phone or email. Please provide as much information as possible about the intended use so I can provide a fair quote.
If you represent a non-profit organization that works to preserve the beauty of the Great Lakes region, and would like to use my photography to advance your cause, please contact me by phone or email. Chances are we can find a mutually beneficial arrangement.
If you would like to use one of my photos on a personal, non-commercial website, please inquire first by email. Include a link to your website and a description of how you’d like to use my photos.
Any unauthorized use of the photographs on this website is a violation of my copyright and is subject to the penalties described in the Copyright section of this website.
Can I hire you to take photos for my website or publication?
I’m very interested in working with businesses and organizations that work to preserve the beauty of the Great Lakes region. Give me a call or send me an email to describe the project you have in mind and I’d be happy to give you a quote.
Do you do pro bono work?
I’d be happy to consider a project that would advance the cause of your nonprofit, help to preserve the beauty of the Great Lakes, and generate important images for my portfolio. If you’ve got an idea for a collaboration, please give me a call.
