I selected Lumi Silk Coated Card at 300 gsm for my prints. I chose this paper type, as the image quality is very good, appears slightly shiny and as it’s not white, it gives slightly warm feeling to my prints. However, I found out that this paper isn’t available in A2 size therefore, I had to try different types. I’ve ordered a sample pack from The Print Space.
I loved Canson Baryta , but the colour of the paper is too creamy, which could drastically change the mood of my images. The other paper I liked was semi-gloss, as it looks comparable to silk coated card just slightly shinier. However, I decided to go for C-type Epson Matt instead, as the image quality printed on this paper looks stunning. I didn’t want anything glossier, as in my opinion gloss doesn’t fit documentary photography. I’ve used matt in one of the interim shows and it looked amazing.
As our work will be displayed on a white wall, I decided to go for black frames. To create a contrast, to separate the frames from the wall and to make them stand out. I chose to order window mount as well, as it brings the attention towards the image.
I’ve sent out for a few price enquires. Every time I asked for A2 traditional black frame with 50mm white window mount and matt prints. Every quote I received was very expensive, especially that I needed everything times three. The price from Soho Frames was £162.56 + vat; Metro Imaging – £289.72 + vat; The Print Space – £117 + vat and £20 or £25 for each print. All quotes were from London’s recommended companies and I don’t like to order online, not knowing what I am paying for. Therefore, I would have to drive there before making an order and then a second time to collect it. Instead, I went to a few lesser known places in Wakefield with the same frame’s enquiry. The prices were a lot cheaper and I could look at the frame quality.
I decided to order C-type Matt prints (£20 each) from The Print Space and frames from Robin Taylor. Taylor made frames for The Hepworth Wakefield existing exhibition and I am working there, so I knew that the quality of each frame is very good. Additionally, as the frames wasn’t too expensive, I could afford to order non reflective glass, to keep the matt impression. Each frame costs £84, then I was given a discount, so it cost me £240 for three. A lot better that around £200 each when ordered from London’s businesses.
When I received the prints from The Print Space, one of them was damaged. I contacted the company and thankfully they reprinted it and sent it to me within few days. I was glad that I made an order super early and was able to sort it out on time.
Robin Taylor has made an amazing job, as the frames looks very professional. Although non-reflective glass appears slightly milky, or should I say blurry, I am very happy with the outcome. It further compliments my work and I am very excited to see them displayed in the final exhibition.
Feel free to come and join us at the final exhibition, that will take place at The University of Huddersfield on the 7th of June. I can assure you that there will be a variety of many interesting works, created by very talented students.
I would truly recommend The Print Space and Robin Taylor, both companies very reliable and professional.
Marlena Sierota 