Unmounted Photographs

Photographic prints described below are non-inkjet prints that are “developed” using “wet chemistry.” Modern enhancements to paper base, emulsion coatings, and exposure to light help this time-tested print technology keep in step with the rapidly-evolving “inkjet printing” technology (see next section “Fine-Art Paper Prints” to consider inkjet prints). All photographic papers that we offer contain optical brightening agents (OBAs) and should be displayed in indirect sunlight to assure print visual quality does not prematurely decline (fades to more yellow color) due to relatively stronger UV radiation in proximity of direct sunlight or fluorescent-bulb lighting. For more information see “Displaying Prints” section of this “Selection Guide.”  

Print Surface: the usual choice is to select between a glossy or matte print. 

“Glossy Print” (glossy print surface) is what we often recommend to prospective customers who desire a photographic print with enhanced color saturation and higher contrast than a matte photographic print. The display location for a glossy print should limit “point sources/hotspots” of bright light from reflecting off a print [including reflections from more-distant source(s) of light brighter than in the display environment] to reduce the amount of mirror-like image(s) and/or glare that may block clear view of the print. 

“Matte Print” (matte print surface) is often the best choice to reduce reflections and glare at the display location where the glossy print would ordinarily reflect “point sources/hotspots” of bright light that may block clear view of the print. Although relatively glare free (or with much-reduced glare) at the maximum reflection orientation, most matte surfaces on photographic papers are likely to contribute to perceived reduction in contrast primarily because of wider scattering of light (diffuse reflections). In order to maintain higher contrast at maximum reflection orientation, we generally recommend that prospective customers select printing on matte surface of the fine art paper (see next section) instead of matte surface of photographic paper. Fine-art paper print on matte paper (free of glossy coating) comes closer to achieving the matte/non-glare look than a matte coating that may be applied on top of some glossy photographic prints, rendering them more matte or silky. Furthermore, at reduced-glare orientations, fine-art paper prints on matte paper generally appear more similar to glossy photographic prints then matte photographic prints in terms of color saturation and contrast. However, when one considers that most prints will ultimately be displayed behind glass or acrylic (making matte prints appear more reflective), the matte surface may not be a priority.   

“Fuji Deep Matte” photographic paper (Fujicolor Crystal Archive Professional Deep Matte Velvet) is characterized by non-glare matte surface (at any reflection orientation) with no visible texture noticed at typical viewing distance(s). When compared to both; glossy photographic prints and fine-art paper prints in orientations where reflections are not an issue Fuji Deep Matte prints generally show significantly- reduced contrast (more so in the “shadows” rather than “highlights” part of the print).  

“Metallic Photographic Paper” is our designation for “Fuji Pearl” (Fujicolor Crystal Archive Digital Pearl). This is a glossy paper with a metallic-base reflection most evident near the orientation with maximum reflection (slight silver tone/soft “metallic pearlescence” increases to maximum just before the glossy glare becomes more prevalent). The metallic reflection appears to brighten the photograph and its details. The most effective use of this paper is in bright display conditions (away from direct sunlight to limit exposure to UV light and buildup of excessive heat). We do not recommend it for medium to low-light display conditions because the metallic reflections would not be significant. Otherwise, it is very similar to Kodak Professional Endura Premier Metallic Paper (that is no longer being produced, but may be available). 

“Premium Glossy” is our designation for a photographic paper (Fujiflex Crystal Archive Display Material) we are convinced to be the best for printing highest-quality glossy photographs. Its attributes (provided in part by the manufacturer) include: high durability and strength; most glossy photographic “paper” with high-clarity (similar to acrylic); suitability for wide-gamut color printing (with high color saturation); high “bright-white point,” tonality, and gray balance; and polyester-base material that adds to its archival properties (resists fading and yellowing). We recommend mounting this “paper” professionally because of the challenges necessary to keep it flat over a long period of time (see next category, “Mounted Photographs”). 

“HD Print” refers to a high-definition glossy print. Printing processes utilize laser-assisted technologies, above 300 dpi printers, and dedicated photographic papers (such as Fujicolor Crystal Archive Professional Paper Maxima or Fujicolor Crystal Archive DP II) to achieve noticeably higher print resolution. Additionally, with higher print resolution and where reinforced by image data, HD prints can better resolve details within shades of similar color (more so with Fuji Maxima, which is known for, expanded color gamut and maximized dynamic range). 

“Premium B&W” photographs (archival grade high contrast/high dynamic range “grayscale prints”) are printed on panchromatic photographic papers specially made for black-and-white (“B&W”) printing using ILFORD B&W papers (e.g., ILFORD Multigrade V RC Deluxe and ILFORD Gold Fibre Silk photo papers). The print surface is available as high gloss, pearl, or silky/semi-gloss with Baryta texture (fibrous texture; “Premium B&W-Baryta”). Additionally, high quality “B&W HD Prints” are available as “grayscale prints” on papers made for color or B&W printing; such as, Fujicolor Crystal Archive Professional Paper Maxima; or Fujicolor Crystal Archive Digital Pearl to enhance reflectivity. B&W photographs are received with our trademark displayed only on the backside of the mounting (due to trademark color commitments) and B&W copyright embedded into the photograph. 

 All of our prints on canvas*5 (“canvas prints”) are printed on a high-quality canvas materials that include some combination of dedicated coatings to help achieve and/or maintain high-quality, optimize color gamut, etc., and are suitable for inkjet (giclée) printing using archival-quality water-resistant pigment inks. These prints have limited resistance to water, dust, and UV light (treat them with utmost care). 

Unmounted canvas prints can be ordered with matte, luster, glossy, or metallic surface to enhance and protect the print. Canvas-texture reflections increase significantly with luster laminate and show as relatively high sheen when glossy laminate is applied (producing speckled glare at narrow to medium reflection angle with the source of bright light). Additional 2 inches of unprinted canvas is provided (adds 2 inches along the perimeter of the selected print size of an unmounted print) to support our customers’ creative need. Unmounted canvas prints are often delivered rolled in a shipping tube. Please note that some canvases contain optical brightening agents (OBAs) and should be displayed in indirect sunlight to assure print visual quality does not prematurely decline (fades to more yellow color) due to relatively stronger UV radiation in proximity of direct sunlight or fluorescent-bulb lighting. For more information see “Displaying Prints” section of this “Selection Guide.” 

*5 For a list of high-quality canvases and their properties that we select from (or the prospective customers can select from when configuring a custom order) to print our images see the “Prints on Canvas” section of the “Mounted Photographs.”