Print advice and recommendations

Derek W · 7 Apr 2010 at 19:53

Below is an image i took at the recent OcUK meet in London. Now I've been thinking about getting a print made of it, the first is the original (complete with orange glow from street lights) and second has had its WB adjusted to a more neutral white which has increased the blues within the image.

I'm looking for opinions on which is the better image / if the image needs straightened slightly? and what size i could get them printed out at without reducing the quality of the image (original size - 5616 x 3744)

I have been looking into prints on both paper and canvas at photobox, loxely, posterxxl and a few others to compare prices, but also need input on print quality for anyone who's used these places.

Thanks

bigredshark · 7 Apr 2010 at 20:06

I prefer the first but I don't think there's a better, more a preference thing. I think that should print to A2 at least without any drama. I've always used photobox or a (good) local photo shop for my prints, photobox aren't bad quality wise, I don't think I've ever gone beyond A3 with them but it was fine quality wise as I remember.

bigredshark · 7 Apr 2010 at 20:10

Actually on reflection, I kinda like the second now. The sky and water look 'nicer' colour wise but I'm not so keen on the very cold white sidewalk...

Derek W · 7 Apr 2010 at 21:24

bigredshark said:
Actually on reflection, I kinda like the second now. The sky and water look 'nicer' colour wise but I'm not so keen on the very cold white sidewalk...

I'm leaning more towards the second one, even with the white pavement. I'm not sure but does the parliament building need to be dropped at the left hand side a touch?

p0ss3s3d · 7 Apr 2010 at 21:28

Why not use them both, just mask out bits you don't want (I did the pavement and the HOP plus the reflection but not big ben).

The_Abyss · 7 Apr 2010 at 21:54

I prefer the second.

I do a few canvases each year, and always get the canvas printed at a local printer. Look for all printers, as those who do not appear photographic or advertise as such can often handle canvas quite easily, if they've had experience (same printers normally as vinyl signage, just a different finish). If you then made the frame yourself and stretch and mount yourself, you can save a fortune. Nice if it is for you, essential if you're selling them.

Derek W · 7 Apr 2010 at 22:08

The_Abyss said:
I prefer the second.

I do a few canvases each year, and always get the canvas printed at a local printer. Look for all printers, as those who do not appear photographic or advertise as such can often handle canvas quite easily, if they've had experience (same printers normally as vinyl signage, just a different finish). If you then made the frame yourself and stretch and mount yourself, you can save a fortune. Nice if it is for you, essential if you're selling them.

I've got two local printers neither do canvases but one does poster sized prints. Unsure of the quality of them though.

The print is for myself as I'd actually like to see a shot other than on my screen or in case of the football stuff i do in newsprint which isn't the best quality anyway.

Stupot_ · 7 Apr 2010 at 22:13

That will blow up to any size you want, but it might not suit it. I think big photos only suit big, graphic images or abstracts. Whilst it's a nice shot, I probably wouldn't want to give it more space than A3.

Personally, I don't like prints on canvas

I much prefer a traditional gloss/satin print, mounted behind glass. But that's just me...

Also, have you thought about cropping off the bottom and going for a panorama? Not a lot happening down there and your horizon is dead centre.

The_Abyss · 7 Apr 2010 at 22:52

Derek W said:
I've got two local printers neither do canvases but one does poster sized prints. Unsure of the quality of them though.

The print is for myself as I'd actually like to see a shot other than on my screen or in case of the football stuff i do in newsprint which isn't the best quality anyway.

Stupot's comments aside, once you settle on what you want here are a few options for you:

Catch in Colour - http://www.bythom.com/blame.htm
Sister site to Canvas Republic, these prices are halved if you want your print on a roll instead of mounted, and if you quote Steve Levin's name, you'll get an additional 20% off the new amount on top.

Nova Prints - http://novaprints.co.uk
If you want it wrapped and mounted, add £5 to the below. Ask for Steve or Jess:

TRADE PRICES 2010

Canvas Prints

10" x 10" £10.98
8" x 12" £13.48
12" x 10" £14.98
10" x 14" £15.98
14" x 14" £15.98
18" x 10" £15.98
18" x 12" £17.48
16" x 12" £15.98
20" x 12" £18.48
20" x 14" £18.98
20” x 16” £19.48
16" x 16" £17.48
18" x 18" £18.48
14" x 24" £20.98
20" x 20" £20.98
24" x 18" £23.48
24" x 24" £23.48
20" x 32" £25.98
30" x 30" £25.98
14" x 48" £25.98
36" x 20" £28.48
36" x 30" £30.98
36" x 36" £33.48
48" x 20" £35.98
60" x 20" £40.98
48" x 32" £40.98

There is a standard £5.00 delivery charge on all orders except orders of £100 in value which is free delivery. Delivery cost is based on one UK address only.

I've used both, and they're certainly more than good enough for display in your own home. I've just done a 5' x 2' panoramic of one of my shots from a recent trip to Nice - although not yet mounted it looks fantastic! Pretty hard to sell here in the UK, but I couldn't resist..!

Pooh · 8 Apr 2010 at 10:47

Can't say about the other printers but I've used Loxley many times and have never had an issue.

If you're in Glasgow they're just up from Spiers Wharf

Derek W · 8 Apr 2010 at 13:16

Stupot_ said:
Also, have you thought about cropping off the bottom and going for a panorama? Not a lot happening down there and your horizon is dead centre.

Been looking at that and will try a couple of different crops tonight. the main reason i left it in just now is that i like the way the handrail leads you into the photo quite well. Know what you mean about not too much happening there, possibly just the shadows from the people.

Nice list there The_Abyss, will take a look later on at it. Pooh, I'm on the east coast of scotland so bit far to travel but thanks for the suggestion.

Derek W · 8 Apr 2010 at 20:00

quite like that one too.

Right think the final choice is the type of print, whether its high quality paper or bonded onto acrylic / forex backing.

Hodders · 8 Apr 2010 at 21:26

Number 2 - just looks 'cleaner' and would work much better as a print IMO.

Derek W · 8 Apr 2010 at 21:52

Hodders said:
Number 2 - just looks 'cleaner' and would work much better as a print IMO.

yeah I'm in the middle of 'tweaking' the final image. removed a couple of dust spots, got it on a 2:1 pano aspect, increased the brightness slightly and adjusted the white balance to match the second image. Other than that its pretty much straight out of the camera

Looking at a 60 x 30 cm print of it.

Derek W · 6 May 2010 at 13:26

just checked my email today and by the looks of things the print should finally arrive sometime todya. Opted for the 80 x 40 cm print of the second image. Looking forward to see how it has come out.

Derek W · 6 May 2010 at 20:14

well here it is

Print quality finish etc is very good, probably not showing up too well on an unedited picture from my n95 but hey I'm happy with it. Its a Forex Fineprint 800 x 400 mm x 5mm black with protecting laminate film, matte finish. Just looking at how best to get it mounted on the wall. Looking into a 'floating' mounting system.

EDIT

Somethings gone wrong with that image :/