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Your photos look very vivid and crisp. Do you enhance or manipulate your images?
I think a better word would be that I "optimize" my images. My primary goal is to achieve an image that replicates what I saw through the viewfinder. Therefore, I may need to reduce "noise," selectively sharpen an image, open up shadows, or modify contrast, brightness, saturation, or color temperature (white balance).
I am a "previsualist." So my sole intention is to reproduce, with integrity, what I originally saw. Many of these modifications may be achieved in a conventional darkroom.
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Did you study photography?
Yes, not only courses such as photojournalism, experimental photography, history of photography, mediated photography, and film as art, but also courses in aesthetics, such as aesthetics of communication, education and aesthetics, and visual aesthetics.
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Do your prices vary between venues?
No. Out of fairness to all who are interested in my prints, I maintain the same prices whether my work is being sold on the internet, a gallery, or a show.
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What makes a print "archival"?
An archival print is one that was printed and mounted using special inks and paper or canvas. The materials are essentially acid-free and long lasting. If the print is mounted, you have to be sure the total package is archival. The acid in non-archival mats, mounting board, and mounting tape have a tendency to leach into the print which eventually causes yellowing. Paper, canvas, and board products should be "acid-free" or "lignin-free." All my prints, solo, matted, or on canvas, use archival materials.
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How long will an archival print last?
You are really asking: How many years before noticeable fading or changes in color balance occurs? An archival print produced on an Epson Stylus Pro 7600 either on Premium Luster paper or PremierArt canvas will last up to 100 years according to the Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc. It depends on whether the print is displayed framed, under glass, framed with a UV filter, or not framed; or if the canvas is coated with an abrasive- and UV-resistant spray such as PremierArt Print Shield. A Type-C print--that which is created using traditional darkroom methods--has a life span of about 70 years. And I have Type-C prints that have lost their zip in 20 to 30 years.
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What is a limited edition?
A limited edition serves to guarantee the buyer that the photographer will not print a particular image again once he or she has sold the last numbered print in the edition. I have started implementing limited editions with most of my canvas pieces--in numbers of 30, 60, or 80.
I provide a signed and embossed "certificate of authenticity" testifying to this guarantee as well as to the quality and longevity of my work.
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What is an artist's edition?
An artist's edition is of the same quality as a limited edition but has more likely been created on commission. It could be a portrait--whether of a boat or person.
I also include a signed and embossed "certificate of authenticity" testifying to the quality and longevity of the finished photograph.
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If I buy a solo print, what's the best way to go about matting and framing it?
Keep in mind the concept of preservation. To protect your photograph, make sure you or your framer uses only acid-free, buffered, or archival materials.
If you plan on matting and framing a print yourself, you may wish to consider pre-cut mats from Light Impressions or from the link at the right.
Excellent frames can be purchased from Ikea, Michael's or Target. Some of their frames come with pre-cut mats.
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| Which cameras do you use?
My current cameras are a Nikon D200 and a Canon Powershot G10, both digital cameras.
Through the years, many of the images in my portfolio were recorded using other cameras. Some of these included Nikon film cameras such as the Nikkormat FT2, FE, N6006, F100. I also have images shot with a Yashica Mat-124 twin-lens-reflex.
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| Which printer(s) do you use?
I use an Epson Stylus Pro 7600 which is a wide-format (24-inch) archival printer.
This printer delivers exceptional image quality, superb color consistency, and long-lasting prints.
Using 7-color Epson Ultrachrome™ Inks, the 7600 produces prints that last generations without fading or damage caused by light or moisture. The ink used in the 7600 is pigment based rather than dye-based. (Epson's Stylus Pro 7880 and 7900 are the current versions of this great printer.)
In 2008, I added an Epson Stylus Pro 4880 to handle small prints. I find this printer produces exquisite prints in faster time.
Both these printers deliver quality that only seeing is believing.
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What tools do you use besides a camera and printer to create archival prints?
In the past, many of my images were created with print film, but I preferred slide film, most often Fuji Velvia or Fuji Provia 100F. The slides were imported into the computer (Macintosh) using a Nikon Coolscan 4000ED scanner.
I now use my Nikon D200 and a Canon G10 to import my images directly into Adobe's new photo workflow program, Lightroom. The photos are color corrected, cropped, and balanced for brightness and contrast using Adobe Photoshop. Once optimized, prints are produced on one of my two Epson Stylus Pro printers.
I mat prints using a C+H Advantage Pro M40 mat cutter distributed by NielsenBainbridge. Most of my mats are cut to conventional frame sizes to enable easy framing. I use 8-ply mats.
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| On what media do you print your images?
Up until 2006, I printed most of my images on Epson's resin-coated (rc) Premium Luster paper. This paper produces among the widest color gamut available for vivid color reproduction of the highest quality. The images are crisp and vibrant and rival traditional photographs in terms of appearance and longevity.
In 2006, I began printing on Epson's PremierArt water-resistant canvas which is starting to comprise the majority of my production.
I now also use Epson's Exhibition Fiber paper for images printed on my Epson 4880.
Consider the prints you buy from this site as being produced without compromise and of heirloom-quality.
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What type of frames do you use?
I use satin-black hardwood, mahogany, or oak.
In all cases, the frames are narrow but deep in order to set the photo off from the wall and not distract from the image. The hanging wire is in a plastic sleeve.
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Why do you have a  superimposed on your gallery images?
As much as I dislike the copyright symbol "©" interfering with the aesthetics of my presentation, as you likely understand, it is used to reduce the unauthorized online use of my registered images.
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Do you have any photos that were printed using the traditional darkroom process?
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Do you stretch your own canvases?
I do, and here's how I do it (link pending)
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Do you offer a warranty?
Absolutely. Satisfaction is guaranteed or your money-back. If you are not totally satisfied with the image and photo rendition of your print, contact me. We will make arrangements for you to send it back. Once received, your payment will be refunded less the cost of shipping and handling. Items that are damaged during shipping will be replaced after you have returned the damaged item. In these instances, all shipping will be paid for by John Ellsworth Photography.
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