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Jeff Ball Photography Prints, Matting, and Framing
December 2006

The final output of a fine art print requires the finest in materials and great attention to workmanship.  Each print is individually proofed to insure that it meets my standards for fine art prints.  Photographs are made with a Toyo 45AII (4x5 field camera), a  Pentax 67 (medium format) camera, Canon 10D (6mp digital camera.), or a Canon 5D (12mp) camera.   Photographic transparencies/negatives are scanned using an Imacon Flextight III scanner.  Once the image is digitized, computer software is used to enhance the image so that it meets my initial artistic vision.  This is accomplished by utilizing techniques that have always been available in the traditional dark room such as contrast enhancement, color saturation, and dodging and burning. 

The prints are made with Epson Ultrachrome K3 inks.  Epson ultrachrome inks are the standard in archival inkjet inks.  The independent print testing lab of Wilhelm Imaging Research has performed tests to determine the lightfastness (print permanence) of the Epson Ultrachrome inks and the papers I have selected.  These tests have concluded that with these papers and the K3 inks combination, prints that are stored properly will last as long as 71 years.  Proper storage includes keeping the print either in plastic or framed under glass. 

The Epson Ultrachrome printers offer an exciting edition to photographers with their many choices of papers and even printable material like Premium Canvas.  I have recently (spring 2006) added an Epson Pro 7800 printer with the K3 inkset.   This printer is capable of printing up to 24" wide.  I also now utilize ImagePrint RIP for increasing the number of paper options I have through their incomparable profiles that are available for virtually every paper produced.  The papers I have selected for printing at this time are Crane Museo Silver Rag as my luster paper, Hahnemuehle Photo Rag for my mat paper, and Pictorico High Gloss Film for my glossy paper.   All papers are archival and feature a tremendous color gamut and a beautiful finish.

Print and Mat Sizes
sizes may vary slightly to accommodate the best presentation of the artwork

All mats are professionally cut by the folks at Mayne Framing.   The matboard is Crescent Select Conservation grade or Crescent Rag and meets the conservation standards as set forth by F.A.C.T.S and F.A.T.G.  Archival hinge-mounting of the artwork is accomplished with acid-free tape and corner holders.  The foam core is Hartlite acid-free. 

Glass selection for framing
You also have two choices for the glass in your frame.  I recommend the Museum Glass that provides protection against UV light as well as has an anti-reflective coating to provide a very clear view of the artwork.  There is a slight coloration at extreme angles where one can see the anti-reflective coating, much like you would see if you looked at a coated photographic lens, but I do not find this to be problematic at all.  Museum glass is what I choose for all of my personal artwork.  Conservation glass has UV protection as well to guarantee many years of enjoyment of your artwork.  As you can see from my prices, Museum Glass is more expensive than conservation glass because of the extra coating applied.  If you are placing the artwork in a room with many windows or bright lights in the background, I recommend Museum Glass.  Either way, you can be confident that your framed artwork will be presented in an archival manner in order to insure many years of enjoyment by you and your family. 

Framing
The web images of the artwork are an attempt at simulating the look of a framed piece of work.  The width and color of the frame are approximate.  I work very closely with the professional at Mayne Framing to select the frame that best accentuates the artwork.  If you have a specific framing need, please don't hesitate to contact me and we can find a frame that meets your needs. 

I have worked closely with the professionals at Mayne Framing in Huntington, WV to determine the proper mounting technique for Ultrachrome ink prints and the selected papers mentioned above.  We have conducted extensive tests on dry-mounting techniques for the rare situation where dry mounting is needed to keep the artwork from excessive wrinkling.  Some panoramic prints may be dry mounted using the best time-tested techniques and finest quality mat board. 

All artwork comes with the Jeff Ball seal of authenticity.  This seal guarantees that the artwork is from Jeff Ball Photography and qualifies for my lifetime guarantees.

1. The artwork is guaranteed against damage caused by the framing materials used.
2. The artwork is guaranteed against fading for the lifetime of the print. 

If the print is damaged by the framing material or fades, just give me a call for replacement.

The pros at Mayne Framing have been invaluable to me in learning the art of presentation.  Another invaluable resource is the Alain Briot CD "Briot's View."  Alain presents techniques for matting and framing your artwork in addition to other helpful tips and ideas.
  
 

I am committed to providing the finest in fine art photography for your home or office décor.  If you have any questions, please give me a call and we can discuss the matter in person.  Thanks and best wishes.

Jeff