The Power of the Print

A few days ago, I received a rather curious email that posed the idea that the photographic print was dead and that I should consider digital NFTs for my work instead of making prints. I took some time to consider the concept and want to share my thoughts on why the print is still the ultimate photographic expression of a piece of work (at least for me).

In a world inundated with digital media, I find myself, more and more, returning to the time-honoured tradition of print photography—a medium that, in my view, transcends time and technology. Making prints is an enriching part of the photographic process. I want to share my thoughts and dive into the realm of the print, exploring its enduring power to preserve moments and evoke emotions that digital images cannot match in my experience.

There is little doubt that a printed photograph has an ineffable quality—a tangible connection to the moment it captures. As you hold a print in your hands, you touch the paper, the essence of the scene, and the emotions imbued within it. The print has a tactile sensation that no digital image can match. The print becomes an intimate conversation between the viewer and the image, creating an immersive experience that evokes a deeper appreciation for the artistry.

In a world dominated by screens, digital images often feel ephemeral and fleeting to me. We consume them voraciously, yet they never sate our thirst. Prints, on the other hand, have the power to reveal the soul of the image. The texture of the paper, the richness of the colours, and the subtleties of the shadows, as light plays across the paper breathe life into the photograph, allowing it to transcend the confines of the screen and awaken the senses in a profound way.

Prints are not just moments frozen in time; they are legacies that can be passed on through generations. As a photographer, there is no greater joy than knowing that my images will grace the walls of homes, telling stories and inspiring awe for years to come. Prints become cherished heirlooms, connecting families and preserving memories in a way that digital files cannot replicate. As I walk around my home, I take great joy in the photographic prints (many from other photographers) that adorn my walls. They are timeless and spirit me away to remote locations like no digital image ever has.

Printing is an art form in itself. It demands careful consideration of paper types, printing techniques, and colour calibration to represent the vision behind the photograph accurately. The process of fine art printing elevates the image to a higher level of artistry, transforming it into a masterpiece that elicits emotions and invites contemplation.

Lastly, the print embodies the authenticity and integrity of the photograph. As an artist, I feel my prints are a testament to the dedication and passion that goes into each frame I capture. Each print is a physical embodiment of my vision, the final product, preserved in a form that endures the test of time.

In this digital age, the allure of print photography remains unwavering. It is a medium that beckons us to slow down, to embrace the beauty of a single frame, and to savor the intricacies of the captured moment. The power of the print lies not only in its aesthetic appeal but in its ability to forge a profound connection between the viewer and the image.

In my journey as a photographer, I have witnessed the transformative effect of prints, both on me as an artist and on those who have beheld my work and the work of many others. So, I invite you to rediscover the art of the print—to hold a photograph in your hands and let it weave its magic upon your soul. Embrace the timeless allure of print photography and embark on a journey into the realm of artistry that stands the test of time. I promise both your soul and photography will benefit from the experience.