The Importance of Metallic Photo Prints for Photographer
I don’t know about you, but there’s something about metallic photo prints that I just love. That luxurious, glossy look. The way the image seems to float on the surface of the paper. There’s a richness and depth that you just can’t get from plain paper. As photographers, we put so much effort into capturing the perfect shot. All that blood, sweat, and tears in the making deserve an output with some pizzazz. And metallic prints deliver in spades. Keep reading as I break down why metal prints should be part of your client offerings.
The Origins of Metallic Printing
Before we dive further in, let’s take a quick trip back in time. How did metallic printing come about anyhow? Fun fact – it emerged in the late 19th century from the collotype printing process. This involved a glass plate coated in a light-sensitive gelatin solution. Light was then projected through a negative onto the plate. The images were developed similarly to a photographic print.
Collotype printing gave a continuous tone and was known for rich blacks. It was a popular process for high-quality image reproduction back in the day. In the 1890s, they started experimenting with metallic substrates. And voila – metallic prints were born!
The base colors used were generally sepia, a reddish-brown hue, as well as a cool gray or black. Images took on an antique feel, almost like Daguerreotypes from the early days of photography. Subjects seemed to glow as if illuminated from within.
Fun tidbit – Kodak introduced metallic photographic papers in 1910 under the name Eastman Unexcelled Platinum Paper. Who said metallic was a new trend? This lustrous look has captivated us for over a century!
The Rise of Modern Metallic Photo Prints
Enough ancient history – let’s talk present day! Modern metal prints didn’t gain traction until the turn of the millennium. Printing technology has come a long way since Eastman’s days. Improved color consistency, archival ability, and cost-effectiveness make metallics accessible for photographers today.
The substrates used now are mostly aluminum or steel rather than paper. Images get infused directly into specially coated metal sheets. This makes them incredibly durable – resistant to water, heat, scratches, and fading. Properly cared for, they can last over 100 years without deterioration.
Metallic media also allows for larger print sizes versus paper. Lengths up to 10 feet are possible! At those dimensions, fine details really pop. This makes metallics ideal for landscape and architectural shots. The color gamut has expanded too. Monochromes are still popular but vibrant colors really shine with the medium as well.
Why Photogs Dig Metallic Photo Prints
Still not convinced to add metallics into your services? Let’s explore specific benefits that make these prints appeal to modern photographers. After understanding the advantages, I’m betting you’ll be keen to jump on the bandwagon.
Unparalleled Visual Intrigue
There’s no denying it – metallic prints have serious visual impact! That reflective, luminous quality naturally draws the eye in. They lend an almost magical illusion of lifting off the wall with defined float. Especially in contrast with traditional glossy or matte papers.
There’s extra depth, dimension, and personality. Metallics breathe new life into favorite subject matter. Wildlife and waterscapes take on intensified realism. Portraiture gains heightened elegance. Black and whites echo back to historical printing. Vibrant events or cityscapes feel modern and sleek. Across genres, metal infuses timeless radiance.
Expanded Creative Options
The medium opens new doors for creative expression too. Metallic finishes like gold, silver, copper and other choices create cool interplay with image hues. Black and white looks radically different on a copper substrate versus brushed aluminum. It allows additional mood tweaking.
We can also leverage textures like canvas or bamboo for further personalization. Embossed patterns imprint added flair. Curving metallics around frames or objects takes things into 3D realms. Hanging options like magnets avoiding framing open fresh display avenues. The versatility keeps things endlessly interesting!
Bye Bye to Fragile Works
Durability is another major advantage over paper prints. Let’s be honest – our framed works can be delicate. Accidents happen, glass breaks. Moisture sneaks in causing bleed or mold. Tiny hands grab at stuff they shouldn’t. Metals can withstand way more wear and tear than paper counterparts without damage.
Metal prints won’t rip, tear or fray. Their surface is water-resistant to handling splashes or high humidity. Scratches buff out easier versus ruining an entire piece. Photos fused onto aluminum or steel simply handle life’s unavoidable bumps better. Customers will certainly appreciate the hardiness and longevity!
Distinctive Wall Art
Tired of the typical mishmash gallery wall? Metallic prints combined make strong, cohesive statements. Uniform sizing and framing lends tidy sophistication. A unified display has bolder visual authority versus random groupings.
The sleek modern aesthetic also pairs fluidly in both classic and contemporary interiors. Metal makes an exceptional medium for series collections. Limited editions gain collectible cache on archival aluminum. For pros creating wall art open editions or sets, metallics equal big allure.
Expanded Sales Opportunities
Let’s switch gears and chat business advantages. Making room for metal prints in your product lineup simply makes smart money sense. They offer profit boosting potential from multiple angles.
For one, perceived value is higher which allows us to charge more. Metal prints starting in the $75-100 range are completely reasonable. Smaller sizes like 5×7″ minimals still garner $25-35. Numbers not possible for paper prints.
Metallics also lend well to upselling clients. Once customers appreciate the visual glory firsthand, reorders happen. Wall collages and series suddenly sound irresistible! Special finishes like bamboo or textures intrigue for extra add on potential.
Don’t underestimate repeat sales for future life milestones too. Satisfied clients will return down the road as needs arise. Because who doesn’t want all their family portraits displayed on sleek, archival metal?
Streamlined Ordering & Fulfillment
We’ve covered the appeal of offering metal prints. But understandably you might feel intimidated by the actual implementation. Questions around pricing, proofing, shipping etc. It seems like a hassle. Thankfully current processes make metallics super photographer friendly!
Online print labs now handle metallic fulfillment from start to finish. We simply upload images then choose dimensions and finishing. Pricing calculators factor in size, materials and coatings for transparent quotes. No guesswork math on our part. We can purchase sample kits to view color accuracy first.
Ordering in volume for client sales? Set up reseller accounts for tiered pricing. Adjust markups as desired for profit margin control. For occasional short run use, straight retail pricing without commitments may better suit. Either way, modern workflows make integration of metallics rather turnkey.
Give Metallics a Shot!
I hope I’ve made a solid case for taking metal prints more seriously. Their advantages over paper are hard to ignore from visual impact to durability. Metallics enrich collections as both fine art offerings and commercial products. And current digital workflows erase past production barriers.
If you remain skeptical I’d suggest trying metal prints personally first. Start with a fave photo refreshed in aluminum or bamboo. See and feel firsthand how they elevate image vibrance unlike paper. I bet you’ll fall hard for metallic’s charms like so many creatives!
Give the gift of archival metal memories to loyal clients. Explore new creative directions printing on lustrous copper, silver or gold. Photography paired with metallics fosters truly distinctive art. Just maybe, you’ll find yourself as smitten as me. Because metal prints undeniably shine bright among presentation methods for photographers today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of photos look best on metal?
A: Abstracts, cityscapes, landscapes, artsy photos with strong lines/patterns show nicely. Portraiture can also take on refined elegance from metallic’s glow.
How durable are metal prints?
A: Exceptionally so! They resist moisture, fingerprints, scratches and dents that ruin paper prints. Metal embedded images remain vibrant for 100+ years.
Can typical digital image formats work for metal prints?
A: Yes, standard JPG, PNG TIFF files at least 300dpi are fine. Many labs want files 10MB+ for clarity at larger dimensions.
What display/hanging options exist?
A: Metals work great directly on walls with magnetic attachments or leaning on stands/shelves using built-in hangers. We can also mount in traditional frames under glass.
What makes metal prints so pricey?
A: Costs come from base material quality, proprietary coatings/processes and specialized equipment needed. Economies of scale make metal pricier than typical paper prints.
In summary
Metallic Photo prints offer photographers distinctive advantages both creatively and commercially over paper prints. Their sleek modern aesthetic lends sophisticated allure across genres from portraiture to fine art photography. During spring, a season of new beginnings and growth, the vibrant resurgence of nature mirrors the exceptional durability of metallic photo prints, making them customer-pleasing offerings despite higher production costs; photographers who incorporate metallics will surely discover their pizzazz and appeal, much like the blossoming wonders of this revitalizing time of year.
