Jim Cole Photography
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About Prints

How the prints are made:

While hand-printed Ilfochrome (formerly Cibachrome) was long considered to be the best exhibit material for color photographs with a display life expectancy of 30 years before noticeable color changes would occur, new printing technology from ZBE Chromira, Epson and Hewlett-Packard used with archival quality papers now offers the most photographically superior prints available. Archival display times have also increased from 60+ years for ZBE and Epson to 200 years for HP under normal display conditions.

Starting with a high resolution scan of the original film transparency, I make minor adjustments to bring out the maximum detail, color and sharpness of the original image. This process is not used to add any element that was not part of the original image. The final print is then produced by one of two processes.

  • Using a Chromira® digital enlarger, the image is exposed on Fuji type C photographic paper (Fuji Professional Crystal Archive Glossy or Matte) and then processed in RA-4 chemistry.
  • The image is output on professional satin (RC type) or museum quality fine art paper (100% rag ) using Epson or HP Professional Wide-Format printers and archival pigment inks.

Either process results in an exquisite photographic print. You are assured that each print will match my artistic expectations and vision better than any other process available.

The images for web presentation have been very carefully prepared, but the compressed JPEG images cannot do justice to the tonal range, fine detail and sharpness of the final print. These prints will make an instant visual impact in any home or commercial location.

Explanation of Open and Limited Edition prints:
Two types of prints are available, depending on the image and are either limited in availability or not.

Some images are sold as Open Editions, are available in unlimited numbers and are more popularly priced. Each image is signed using archival ink on the print surface and is consecutively numbered.

My best selected images are Limited Edition museum quality prints which are available in limited numbers. Each image is limited to an edition of either 100 or 250 photographic reproductions regardless of size excluding a small number of artist's proofs. The photographer’s signature and edition number are in pencil on the matte or on the white border of the photographic image just below the lower right corner of the image area.
Prices will increase as an edition reaches 50% sold out, 75% sold out and 90% sold out.

No image will be sold as both an open edition (smaller sizes) and as a limited edition (larger sizes) as some photographers do. My limited editions are truly limited in number.

Matting and Display Choices:
Prints may be ordered one of four ways:

  • Unmounted – Here you are ordering just the bare print which you can then take to your local professional frame store and have matted and framed however you like. These prints are shipped flat or rolled in a tube depending on the size of the print.
  • Mounted and matted – Here the print is mounted to the backing board and matted with two 4-ply mattes in gallery white. These matted prints are shipped flat. All you have to do is add a frame and glass.
  • Framed – Here we add a museum quality hardwood frame in matte black and TrueVue Conservation Clear® glass with UV Protection. This way the image is ready to hang on the wall as soon as you receive it.
  • Laminated – Here the print is mounted to a stiff substrate (aluminum or rigid foam board) and laminated. This method eliminates the frame and glass along with most reflections and provides a more contemporary appearance as the image itself appears to float on the wall. This process is quoted on an individual basis depending on how you would like the image finished.

All mounting and framing materials are museum-quality. Each print is mounted to a 100% rag board. All 4-ply window mattes are also 100% rag. Prints are framed in hardwood frames selected by the photographer. TruVue® Conservation Clear Glass containing UV light inhibitors is used instead of standard glass to extend the life of your original photograph while it is on display. The photographer and his assistant carefully do all the mounting, matting and framing for each print.

Shipping:
Prints, whether unmounted, matted or framed will generally ship within 1-2 weeks and possibly sooner if there is a dire need. Laminated prints will require approximately 4-6 weeks to ship as the lamination is outsourced.

I use FedEx exclusively to ship. Prices are preset and are shown during the checkout process. Prices quoted are for shipping to US addresses only. International shipping will be quoted on an individual basis.

Guarantee:
If you're not 100% satisfied, I will refund your money, re-print the photograph(s) or replace the print with a different one.