It was less than a year ago that I started learning and semi-shooting portraiture photography. It was quite the learning experience. I started off with a simple muslin background and cheap studio strobes, and umbrella. It was going great and the images were coming out well shooting family members. I then decided that, hey I would do some free portraits for friends of the family. I did one free session, and ended that offer. I had everything setup and ready to go, then made the mistake of using a kit lens instead of my 50mm. That was the deal breaker. I contemplated which lens to use and made the wrong choice. Yes, we even make mistakes. Given that this session was probably my fifth ever portrait session that I have done, I also did not know much about editing for portraits as I mainly shot landscape and wildlife. I spent a couple hours editing the images and gave each of the models 10 images each to the best of my abilities at that time, per the TFCD Contract, which they didn’t read. The models were not satisfied of the results of their free session and Instead of coming directly to me to discuss possible options, it was posted on one of their social network pages, which I was ultimately given the link to view that private album and read the comments. During this period of time I was also transitioning from a Nikon Entry Level Camera to an Industry Recognized Canon Camera. From that day forward everything has changed.

Last Year (After this session):

1.) I sold my kit lens and bought (2) new lenses. 70-200mm f/2.8 L USM and 28-75mm f/2.8 to occupy my 50mm f/1.8.

2.) Purchased a tried and true studio strobe, and battery pack from Paul C Buff.

3.) Received a large umbrella, 60” Convertible.

4.) Received a large softbox made by Paul C Buff.

5.) Purchased Large Capacity, UDMA CF Cards (Lexar) and Lexar Memory Card Reader

6.) Spent extensive time learning about portraiture retouching.

7.) Spent a few days learning from professional photographers.

8.) Calibrated my monitors using industry standard calibration devices.

Last/This Month:

1.) Reevaluated my old TFCD contract and made considerable changes to it for a near future launch of a “Free Portrait” promotion. – Which is now online so that it can be viewed anytime by participants to know what they will be receiving and what they can do with the images.

2.) Launched a full line printing service: Learn more at: http://blog.charlesshowalter.com/2011/03/31/printing-information/ and http://blog.charlesshowalter.com/2011/03/29/out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new/

3) Spent more time learning about portraiture retouching.

4.) Reevaluated my portfolio, changes are going to be made.

5.) Continued discussions with professional photographers.

6.) Reevaluated that session using all the materials, techniques and software that I have learned since. What do you think?

Image Left: This is what they would have received at that time. (Original)         Image Right: This is what they would have received today.

This isn’t the end for my learning. I will always continue to learn, improve and build in my photography and printing services. I take extreme pride in both, and if coupled together, the results are nothing but outstanding. I have sold dozens of prints and several canvases and received nothing, but exceptional feedback.

What I hope that people get out of this blog post are that: Even though we don’t like to admit it mistakes do and can happen, if there are issues contact your photographer, there are other options than dissing people on social network sites, make sure to always thoroughly read a contract, I value all feedback so that I can improve, I am honest, and I take my work very seriously.

All our prices are based upon the quality of materials that we use. Most in-store and consumer online labs use materials that are designed to last for 3-5 years unprotected and between 10-15 years protected in glass or a album. Our standard prints are designed to withstand >50-years unprotected. We also understand that printing is more than just the type of papers that are used. That is why we will never try to sell to you, using gimmicks such as "we print on high-quality specialty papers designed to bring out the best in your photos," as we know there is a lot more to printing to yield professional, long lasting results than just paper. This is where we set ourselves apart from consumer labs.

Inks:
We print all images using UltraChrome Archival Pigmented Inks.

Glossy Prints:
We print all glossy photographs using professional quality, long lasting, heavy-weight, ultra-smooth, bright white, smudge and water resistant Epson papers. I then coat your images with a Glossy finish to provide additional protection against UV, fading, smudging and water damage. Our glossy prints will last at least >50-years unprotected/unframed

Luster Prints:
We print all Luster photographs using either Kodak Professional Resin Coated or Epson Professional Resin Coated papers. These paper are heavy-weight 10mil and provide the highest possible color gamut available for vivid color reproduction. I also coat luster prints with a Glossy finish to provide additional protection against UV, fading, smudging and water damage.
Our luster prints will last at least >50-years unprotected/unframed

Museum Prints:

Our Museum Prints are top of the line. We print each image on 100% Cotton Rag Fine Art Papers with the highest possible color gamut and DMAX available today. Our Fine Art Papers are also certified by the Fine Art Trade Guild for Achievability. We then coat each print with a proprietary museum grade matte varnish also certified by the Fine Art Trade Guild. This coat provides each print with the industry best protection against UV damage, fungal damage, scuffs, fading, cracking, and tearing. These prints are designed to last.

All of our Museum Prints are printed on 13×19 Sheets. An example of what a 13×19 Sheet can hold:

(1) 13×19 Print
(9) 4×6 Prints
(4) 5×7 and (9) Standard Wallets
(1) 8×10 and (2) 5×7 and (4) Standard Wallets

Canvases:
Both our small and large canvases are archival certified. Our small canvases will last at least >75-years and our large canvases will last at least >100-years. See our blog post at: http://blog.charlesshowalter.com/2011/03/29/out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new/

Printer Performance:

We do not guarantee these print life estimates because they are simply scientific estimates. Many variables like sun exposure, humidity, pollution, and the like will be at play differently in each users home, work, or gallery. We cannot take them all into account and still offer these print life tests.

If you know me, then you know that I am all about quality. So today I am pleased to announce that we will be dropping our old 10×16 Canvases from Hahnemuhle and will be using professional archival materials. First and foremost all canvases will be printed using genuine Epson UltraChrome Archival Pigmented Inks. We print at 1440 dpi on super-heavy-duty 20.5mil, ultra DMAX, OBA-Free, high water resistant, bright white consistent poly-cotton blend archival canvas certified by the Fine Art Trade Guild. We then seal your canvas with a proprietary matte finish archival top-coat that provides the industry best protection against UV damage, fungal damage, scuffs, fading, cracking, and tearing.

Wait! I never seen or heard of you selling canvases?

We just started selling canvases a few months ago and they are currently limited to family, friends and upon special request. We currently offer two finished sizes: 6×8 using the materials by Hahnemuhle and 10×16 which will be using the materials outlined in this post. All future 6×8 Hahnemuhle canvases will be printed on Archival Monet, OBA-Free Canvas.

How long will my canvas last?

I have performed a tremendous amount of research looking for the best available materials that are certified to archival standards. On top of this we adhere to the rigorous production standards for genuine Giclée canvas prints. Along with using the highest quality inkjet canvas and archival inks, we seal every canvas with a protective top-coat to ensure color preservation and protection against humidity and other environmental hazards. Because of our high standards and product quality, our canvases should last for at least 150 years.

How should I care for my canvas?

Our canvases are extremely durable and do not require special care. While we recommend displaying our canvas prints in a dry, temperature controlled location, they are specifically designed to withstand many of the environmental factors that may damage other artwork, such as exposure to sunlight or humidity. If necessary, gently clean with a feather duster or a damp or dry soft cloth.

Do you offer unstretched canvases?

Yes, we offer unstretched canvases and the reason why we do this is that some customers have the tools and expertise to stretched their own canvases. In addition, some customers wish to mat and frame unstretched canvases under glass or hang them between rails. Others also like to embellish them with embroidery, paint, or other adornments. Two options are available: 1.) Mirror Edges, or Full Image 2.) Black Edges or White Edges

Are you going to raise your already set price?

Absolutely not. We purchased the materials in bulk in-order to maintain our competitive pricing.