In my last post, I wrote about how I had the opportunity to make a unique 8×10 print that I made from ZNO. During the same order, I also ordered a big print. Literally the largest print size they offered: 24 inches by 36 inches. I’m aware that larger prints exist, but I couldn’t think of a place that I would be able to put it, both in my tiny apartment in Boston or in my home in New York. A 24×36 is nice and large enough to be presentable without being overly cumbersome.
At a glance, the colors are vibrant and bright, with deep blacks where they should be. The photographic paper is nothing overly expensive, so it was a good way for me to experiment with my first large prints.
I also experimented with more… interesting sizes. I wanted to try a panorama crop with a different type of paper as well. ZNO offered an “ivory” fine art print in a 10 x 24 size. At a glance, it doesn’t look overly impressive. The colors are more muted, and there is less contrast in my opinion. But the paper itself has a feel, almost like it’s own grit that adds to the image. It’s hard to explain unless you see it in person. It’s also more matt finish – you can even tell that it’s slightly less shiny than the other print.
I love both prints in slightly different ways. I’ve been spending the last 2 weeks trying to find a home for these two. Frames are surprisingly expensive, especially frames that are made of good quality materials. In all of my research, levelframes.com provides the most affordable custom archival/museum grade frames, but they’re still out of my budget. Amazon has a cheap $22 frame for my 10×18, but I want to check out local stores before I commit to the purchase.
I dream of one day printing my favorite piece in an expensive archival frame. I’ve also considered printing it under acrylic or on metal as well. But those are options for a later day.
Andy Chen Photography 