Yeah, in 2019, I rec'd an AS degree in digital media and PRINTING. The vernacular of paper sizes (A-series) vs. paper weight, vs. size, vs. ink, CMYK, Pantone colors, short run of printing done on laser printers vs. web press...WE got inky dirty and got to measure (so as to optimally use huge sheets of paper on the print run) and cut various stocks of paper for various projects for the college. We got to mix the ink, fill the print presses, clean the behemoth machines and run them, checking the blue lines, bleeds, pre-flight specs and results. The print shop printed all things Riverside College District (California). As for the photography and our creative projects on the Adobe platform, I learned soooo much. I understood why you ordered mult. prints and ran quality checks. Thank you for your patience and sharing your passion....your wisdom.
Hi Joe! As a former photographic printer (back in the days when such things were done in pitch dark darkrooms with double doors and matt black walls, then loaded onto huge processing machines full of chemicals that made you lightheaded) I’m really excited and pleased to see such wonderful prints and so much care being taken with the print media. I’m looking forward to seeing your video on the print process - I’ve always found the process of getting my work printed frustrating, as colour balance and tonality seem to go out of the window all too often. Anyway, good luck with the project, and thank you for all the wonderful and inspiring videos. Best wishes, Huw
Hey Huw, thanks for the kind words! I was fortunate enough to have a brand new dark room at my college which I could use every now and then which was a lot of fun. That chemical smell is definitely one of those “memory trigger smells” for better or worse haha!
@@joeallam so sorry, I’ve only just seen your reply - thank you! I was inspired by your work to borrow a Fujifilm X100V for a weekend (thanks Fuji!) and had a great time rising to the challenge of having to really think about taking photographs again; iPhones make you so lazy. Some great shots, some misses, some technical failures on my part, but a beautiful tool to work with. Best wishes, Huw.
You are a control freak, but for all the right reasons. Your passion for your work shines through. Congratulations on the store and I wish you every success.
First thing.... ORDER PLACED!!! Next up, I loved watching this video. I was just sitting here, going "yeah, me too", "yeah, I get the same feeling". I have a natural preference for 4x5 aspect ratio (as I mostly shoot in portrait), but I'm pretty comfortable with 4x3 too. So, I get the whole thing about not liking A-sizes for the images and paper. That said, since I'm printing at home for myself plus the odd special request print for friends, I'm usually stuck with A3+ for paper, and then rely the matt board to get the correct aspect ratio. I used to use Hakuba frames, but the matt board was not ideal. Ikea seems the way to go for me, since there is an option to have a 30x40 image in a 40x50 frame (which accomodates A3+ paper with a careful bit of attachment to the matt board). And, yeah, the paper. Hahnemuhle all the way!!! I use Pictorico (Mitsubishi) paper (luster and matte) for non-special prints. But, if I want to make a print I'm going to frame or make for someone, it has to be either a Hahnemuhle Baryta type paper, or a matte type paper. Good luck with the store. Can't wait to get my print from you.
Thanks, Gavin! I saw your order in the list and recognised the name immediately! Great to see you resonate with all my feels about the paper. It's just beautiful for printed work! A3+ is actually a great size to use, as it's significantly larger than A3 to recognise it being different. It's also very nearly B3, but that seems to be a forgotten paper size it seems... I haven't used the Pictorico paper before, but I'll try it out some time if I can. We tried a Baryta paper during our testing (the New York sunset image), which worked really well with vivid colours, but that image didn't make the cut this time around.
Thanks! I know it’s a tricky market to enter, but I’m keen to get involved and see how it goes/evolves. On a personal level, it’s just great to have found a workflow that allows for efficient quality printing of images for myself
Best of luck Joe, selling prints can be hard the market is pretty small. Making the prints is easy, getting the right people to see them and want to buy is a whole other game. Your social media presence should help you.
I really enjoyed this. HUGE congratulations. It feels like you're putting the product and the experience first, ahead of the usual approach of 'sells loads and quickly'. Also a big fan of the white gloves. I hope they become a regular feature. Good for directing traffic too.
Cheers, Ben! Really appreciate you recognising that. A massive investment of time has gone into setting this all up for a high quality experience. Doing anything otherwise, goes against every grain in my body. I‘m more for the marathon than the sprint, even if it leaves me close to bankruptcy on a regular basis 🫣 I know eventually it will all compound to an honest and genuine experience. If not, I guess I can always fallback to directing traffic or close magic.
I absolutely love the passion. I share it with you. And I developed the care for detail just by watching. I am inspired and I can’t wait to learn more. Because of your care for detail, I knew I had a lot to learn from you. I want to print my own photos. Do you have advice on where to print from ? What should I look for in stores where I print my photos
Hi Joe, great informative video, very helpful! Do you sign your work on the front, even if your signature is visible? Couldn’t really see what your approach is in the video.
This video came at the perfect time. Thank you so much! Looking to launch my print store later this year and just getting into the planning phase now :)
Thanks Joe this is a really helpful video. Have printed to the hahnemuhle photo rag before and it is the most wonderful thing once you get your hands on it. As someone who wants to print more quality prints of my own work, I am really looking forward to the workflow video as I have always struggled to recreate my work truthfully on paper.
Hi Joe, great video glad I found you. I pride myself on my photos too. My question is does your logo embossed not show on the print? I can't tell but looks like you put your logo on back of print? Thanks in advance! Susan aka new subscriber
Great video Joe! I have been selling my printed work for over 10 years now and you are bang on about creating that relationship with the lab/printer. I did however take the path of getting a 44" wide format photographic printer due to the volume and sizes I printed. Of course that is an entire process in itself - and of course there are pros and cons (with using a lab vs printing on your own). I have really odd ratio sizes (4:1, 2:1, standard 3:2, and 1:1) and have printed an image 12 feet wide (from my printer) which is crazy to see! One skill you have that I don't (and I wish I had) is the coding side of things. I've always struggled with web developers, and I never get what I ask. That is my main painpoint.
Great video Joe, learned a lot about “how to” in the print world. My wife & I were just discussing how we should redo some of our favourite pre covid travel prints for framing. The paper information was very educational for us. Looking forward to getting back to anywhere in Europe soon. Wilf S,Canada.
As a software developer, 12:08 - 12:22 really got me. Looking at that clock too, I can tell you were on it for a while 😂 Congrats on the store opening, and I can't wait to snag some prints further down the line.
Hahaha! The funny thing is, in the second clip I cut the initial bit where I said “it’s been about 5 days or so…” Comedic timing was just better with it being back to back comments. Hopefully there are some prints you’re interested in at some point - this particular drop is only available until end of September ✌️
Awesome video!! thank you! - if i may ask, which program or site is used shown at (time 9:33) to sort and organize your photos for printing? thanks again!
Thank you - I hope there’s something suitable for you! Just so you know, the current drop is only until the end of this month, as I’ve got some travel coming up and don’t want to over commit ✌️
Very interesting to see your process and the choices you made. Your excitement is tangible, wishing your you success in this new venture, I’m sure it will be 👌
Thanks Sue! I not usually one to get overly excited and shout about things, but these prints are something I’m exceptionally proud of. Thanks for the support!
Do you have experience printing with Printique or Nations photo lab? I'm planning my first photography exhibition and am deciding which prints are better :)
A very good paper. Just note that the Photographique II is the newest issue. They are similar :) If tou like the Photographique, I would also suggest the Prestige II from Canson, it is superb!
Hello Joe. Very interesting video. Have started printing myself. and this video has helped me a lot. Just wondering about the width of your white borders around the photo. They seem to be a good balance between border and photo and paper size.
My first (and only) printed photo (on canvas) that is on a wall it's of my daughter in a Swiss field waving her dress.... I take it with a smartphone😅 that day i left my X100V at home 🤭
Great video and content! When it comes to A-sizes, I sort of agree. But since i print my own photos, it is difficult to avoid relating to the A-sizes since all the major paper-brands sell their papers using A-sizes (not below a4 or above A1) 😅 Ofcurse it is possible to print in a different aspect ratio on a A-sized paper, and I often do. When it comes to framing as well, the A-sizes are often a referance as well as inches/cm. If you choose to print an image A2, the consumers as well would relate more to that, then saying the image is 42x52.9 cm. But I totally agree that some images just looks better in an aspect ratio thas is not constrained to the A-sizes. When it comes to the feel of the paper, it is all due to a mix of paper blend and paper wheigt (often refered to GSM). A thicker paper (300gsm+) that is a mix of both cotton and alpha-cellulose will most likely feel way more flexible and soft then a paper just made by alpha-cellulose. Matt papers will also feel softer due to the lack of glossy surface (that often stiffens the paper). I would alwyas suggest buying sample packs from the major producers (like Hahnemuhle, Canson and MOAB) before comitting to a specific type of paper (given that you print at home). Especially before buying A2 or above (usually quite a price gap jumping from A3+ to A2). And dont be afraid of trying textured paper (like Hahnemuhles German Etching), some images just pops using textured papers!
The floppy paper is the GSM that was chosen was too low. Most papers will come in different 'weights', which is represented by the GSM (grams per square metre).
I’ve always struggled with what size to print at. Frame size for the overall paper or to the mat board opening size, or just pick a size and customer can find or buy a frame to suit. It’s never ending and painful
This is exactly the headache I had for weeks 😅 In the end I decided go for frame size. At least that way those who are happy not to customise will have options that aren’t super expensive
WoW, It's not easy to choose with to buy. I'm from Hong Kong and I almost pass that place every day, but the pic from Japan is SICK... tell me what i gonna do
Of the 60+ YT photographers I follow, only AWOS has had long term success with online prints. I look forward to Sept 2023 and see how sales go. Shipping from the UK to the states is going to be expensive and definitely will have to be rolled
Selling prints online I belive is very challenging. I have sold a LOT of prints (over 15K prints over the last 10 years), but they were purchased from a number of retail storefronts (not my own), where people can physically see the print and that is where they really connect with it.
Hello Joe, very interesting video and some superb prints thank you. I want to print one of my own, taken from a drone, to present to my cricket club. Are you able to recommend a printer? This will be very much a one off. I am 81 with no interest in business. Thanks for your help.
You will have to keep your store open 24-7-365! Otherwise, people who discover your store when it's open and come back to buy again when it's closed will go away disappointed and maybe never return. At least put up a re-opening date - and stick to it!
Yeah, in 2019, I rec'd an AS degree in digital media and PRINTING. The vernacular of paper sizes (A-series) vs. paper weight, vs. size, vs. ink, CMYK, Pantone colors, short run of printing done on laser printers vs. web press...WE got inky dirty and got to measure (so as to optimally use huge sheets of paper on the print run) and cut various stocks of paper for various projects for the college. We got to mix the ink, fill the print presses, clean the behemoth machines and run them, checking the blue lines, bleeds, pre-flight specs and results. The print shop printed all things Riverside College District (California). As for the photography and our creative projects on the Adobe platform, I learned soooo much. I understood why you ordered mult. prints and ran quality checks. Thank you for your patience and sharing your passion....your wisdom.
Hi Joe! As a former photographic printer (back in the days when such things were done in pitch dark darkrooms with double doors and matt black walls, then loaded onto huge processing machines full of chemicals that made you lightheaded) I’m really excited and pleased to see such wonderful prints and so much care being taken with the print media. I’m looking forward to seeing your video on the print process - I’ve always found the process of getting my work printed frustrating, as colour balance and tonality seem to go out of the window all too often. Anyway, good luck with the project, and thank you for all the wonderful and inspiring videos. Best wishes, Huw
Hey Huw, thanks for the kind words! I was fortunate enough to have a brand new dark room at my college which I could use every now and then which was a lot of fun. That chemical smell is definitely one of those “memory trigger smells” for better or worse haha!
@@joeallam so sorry, I’ve only just seen your reply - thank you! I was inspired by your work to borrow a Fujifilm X100V for a weekend (thanks Fuji!) and had a great time rising to the challenge of having to really think about taking photographs again; iPhones make you so lazy. Some great shots, some misses, some technical failures on my part, but a beautiful tool to work with. Best wishes, Huw.
You are a control freak, but for all the right reasons. Your passion for your work shines through. Congratulations on the store and I wish you every success.
Haha, much appreciated! I definitely lean into the idea of controlling every detail that’s worth controlling 😅
First thing.... ORDER PLACED!!!
Next up, I loved watching this video. I was just sitting here, going "yeah, me too", "yeah, I get the same feeling".
I have a natural preference for 4x5 aspect ratio (as I mostly shoot in portrait), but I'm pretty comfortable with 4x3 too. So, I get the whole thing about not liking A-sizes for the images and paper. That said, since I'm printing at home for myself plus the odd special request print for friends, I'm usually stuck with A3+ for paper, and then rely the matt board to get the correct aspect ratio.
I used to use Hakuba frames, but the matt board was not ideal. Ikea seems the way to go for me, since there is an option to have a 30x40 image in a 40x50 frame (which accomodates A3+ paper with a careful bit of attachment to the matt board).
And, yeah, the paper. Hahnemuhle all the way!!! I use Pictorico (Mitsubishi) paper (luster and matte) for non-special prints. But, if I want to make a print I'm going to frame or make for someone, it has to be either a Hahnemuhle Baryta type paper, or a matte type paper.
Good luck with the store. Can't wait to get my print from you.
Thanks, Gavin! I saw your order in the list and recognised the name immediately!
Great to see you resonate with all my feels about the paper. It's just beautiful for printed work! A3+ is actually a great size to use, as it's significantly larger than A3 to recognise it being different. It's also very nearly B3, but that seems to be a forgotten paper size it seems...
I haven't used the Pictorico paper before, but I'll try it out some time if I can. We tried a Baryta paper during our testing (the New York sunset image), which worked really well with vivid colours, but that image didn't make the cut this time around.
beautiful bridge picture! loved it
👏LET'S GOOOO! Good luck with the print store, dude!
Cheers Craig! It’s been a long time coming, but I’m excited to now have a store and process I can rely on!
great news Joe! looking forward for your NYC prints
Thanks man! I’ve got a few from New York that could be potential options, but I’m hoping to get more on a future trip!
Sad that I missed this drop but looking forward to the next one!
I am looking at Prints in a different light. Thank you!
I didn't start selling my images an till late last yearish and it is amazing
Glicee on Hahnemuhle rag... I'll remember that one. Not for opening a store, but just to do prints for myself.
4:00 KL Tower!! welcome to Malaysia 🇲🇾
Big fan of Malaysia! Would love to return one day!
This is my favourite photo.
Wow these prints look phenomenal
Hi Joe! The white borders you leave in the photos you are printing, how wide are they?
Would also like to know what white margins you use.
Great Video and so helpfull! Thank you very much!
No worries; glad it helped!
This is absolutely fantastic, Joe!
All the best Joe, im sure you will do well, great prints, sure you will have a lot of success.
Thanks! I know it’s a tricky market to enter, but I’m keen to get involved and see how it goes/evolves. On a personal level, it’s just great to have found a workflow that allows for efficient quality printing of images for myself
I just invested in the Canon prograf 1000 and I'm going to give it a go..I know is more work but nothing is impossible...thanks for this video..
Amazing work Joe🎉 the photo at 10:26 can you remember where it was taken ?
Best of luck Joe, selling prints can be hard the market is pretty small.
Making the prints is easy, getting the right people to see them and want to buy is a whole other game.
Your social media presence should help you.
I really enjoyed this. HUGE congratulations. It feels like you're putting the product and the experience first, ahead of the usual approach of 'sells loads and quickly'. Also a big fan of the white gloves. I hope they become a regular feature. Good for directing traffic too.
Cheers, Ben! Really appreciate you recognising that. A massive investment of time has gone into setting this all up for a high quality experience. Doing anything otherwise, goes against every grain in my body.
I‘m more for the marathon than the sprint, even if it leaves me close to bankruptcy on a regular basis 🫣 I know eventually it will all compound to an honest and genuine experience. If not, I guess I can always fallback to directing traffic or close magic.
I absolutely love the passion. I share it with you. And I developed the care for detail just by watching. I am inspired and I can’t wait to learn more. Because of your care for detail, I knew I had a lot to learn from you. I want to print my own photos. Do you have advice on where to print from ? What should I look for in stores where I print my photos
Oh man this is going to be hard to choose! 🍻
Haha, it was difficult on my end too! 😅
"A sizes are document sizes." - A-frickin'-men, brother.
Maybe I should make this a quote poster and print it 4x5 😏 or be ironic and just do A4 🤪
But 21 x 30cm IS A4, within 3mm anyway. A4 is 21.0 x 29.7cm.
Can you also please tell me what camera do you use to get vivid pictures. That sharpness
Hi Joe, great informative video, very helpful! Do you sign your work on the front, even if your signature is visible? Couldn’t really see what your approach is in the video.
That mic quality is just top.
Great video! Are the plastic front on ikea frames okey or did y change to glass? Changed passpartou too?
Waiting!
🥳
😘
This video came at the perfect time. Thank you so much! Looking to launch my print store later this year and just getting into the planning phase now :)
Great to hear! It’s a daunting project at times, but so enjoyable throughout. I hope it’s successful for you! 🤞
This is great idea, and premium quality is just right. Any chance have Chicago print next run?
Awesome Joe! Congrats on the store! The prints look awesome. Paper really does make all the difference, eh?
Absolutely! What’s even more amazing is that the best paper is unbranded on the back - truly an unsung hero!
Thanks Joe this is a really helpful video. Have printed to the hahnemuhle photo rag before and it is the most wonderful thing once you get your hands on it.
As someone who wants to print more quality prints of my own work, I am really looking forward to the workflow video as I have always struggled to recreate my work truthfully on paper.
Hi Joe, great video glad I found you. I pride myself on my photos too. My question is does your logo embossed not show on the print? I can't tell but looks like you put your logo on back of print? Thanks in advance!
Susan aka new subscriber
Working with a printer at the potential scale you're looking at is by far the wisest choice. They know their craft better than you could imagine
Absolutely! I didn’t even want to entertain the idea of printing them myself 😅
Great video Joe! I have been selling my printed work for over 10 years now and you are bang on about creating that relationship with the lab/printer. I did however take the path of getting a 44" wide format photographic printer due to the volume and sizes I printed. Of course that is an entire process in itself - and of course there are pros and cons (with using a lab vs printing on your own). I have really odd ratio sizes (4:1, 2:1, standard 3:2, and 1:1) and have printed an image 12 feet wide (from my printer) which is crazy to see! One skill you have that I don't (and I wish I had) is the coding side of things. I've always struggled with web developers, and I never get what I ask. That is my main painpoint.
This was a great vid!
Great video Joe, learned a lot about “how to” in the print world. My wife & I were just discussing how we should redo some of our favourite pre covid travel prints for framing. The paper information was very educational for us. Looking forward to getting back to anywhere in Europe soon. Wilf S,Canada.
As a software developer, 12:08 - 12:22 really got me. Looking at that clock too, I can tell you were on it for a while 😂
Congrats on the store opening, and I can't wait to snag some prints further down the line.
Hahaha! The funny thing is, in the second clip I cut the initial bit where I said “it’s been about 5 days or so…” Comedic timing was just better with it being back to back comments.
Hopefully there are some prints you’re interested in at some point - this particular drop is only available until end of September ✌️
JAPAN
IS
BACK!
SO DAMN EXCITED!
Well done Joe, very schmick! :-)
Have you used Art Storefront, or Squarespace? Thanks
Awesome video!! thank you! - if i may ask, which program or site is used shown at (time 9:33) to sort and organize your photos for printing? thanks again!
Not commenting much and all but grats for launching your store, I may order something before the end of the year, we'll see. 👏🏾 Much love from France.
Thank you - I hope there’s something suitable for you! Just so you know, the current drop is only until the end of this month, as I’ve got some travel coming up and don’t want to over commit ✌️
Very interesting to see your process and the choices you made. Your excitement is tangible, wishing your you success in this new venture, I’m sure it will be 👌
Thanks Sue! I not usually one to get overly excited and shout about things, but these prints are something I’m exceptionally proud of. Thanks for the support!
Like this video ! Congra
Loved seeing the process, please go full print geek in future videos! Will be purchasing a print in the near future!
Do you have experience printing with Printique or Nations photo lab? I'm planning my first photography exhibition and am deciding which prints are better :)
Such a brilliant and helpful video, thank you. Can you just type out the paper and pricing option you went for so I can look it up?
What type of print paper is the most premium? Handa Mulah what?
Have you tried Canson Bartya Photagraphique? Its the best Giclee paper I've used post traditional darkroom printing.
A very good paper. Just note that the Photographique II is the newest issue. They are similar :) If tou like the Photographique, I would also suggest the Prestige II from Canson, it is superb!
Hello Joe. Very interesting video. Have started printing myself. and this video has helped me a lot. Just wondering about the width of your white borders around the photo. They seem to be a good balance between border and photo and paper size.
My first (and only) printed photo (on canvas) that is on a wall it's of my daughter in a Swiss field waving her dress.... I take it with a smartphone😅 that day i left my X100V at home 🤭
What was that paper? Couldn't understand that bit :)
Great video and content!
When it comes to A-sizes, I sort of agree. But since i print my own photos, it is difficult to avoid relating to the A-sizes since all the major paper-brands sell their papers using A-sizes (not below a4 or above A1) 😅 Ofcurse it is possible to print in a different aspect ratio on a A-sized paper, and I often do. When it comes to framing as well, the A-sizes are often a referance as well as inches/cm. If you choose to print an image A2, the consumers as well would relate more to that, then saying the image is 42x52.9 cm. But I totally agree that some images just looks better in an aspect ratio thas is not constrained to the A-sizes.
When it comes to the feel of the paper, it is all due to a mix of paper blend and paper wheigt (often refered to GSM). A thicker paper (300gsm+) that is a mix of both cotton and alpha-cellulose will most likely feel way more flexible and soft then a paper just made by alpha-cellulose. Matt papers will also feel softer due to the lack of glossy surface (that often stiffens the paper). I would alwyas suggest buying sample packs from the major producers (like Hahnemuhle, Canson and MOAB) before comitting to a specific type of paper (given that you print at home). Especially before buying A2 or above (usually quite a price gap jumping from A3+ to A2). And dont be afraid of trying textured paper (like Hahnemuhles German Etching), some images just pops using textured papers!
Really cool,unfortunately where I live we don’t have printers😵💫
1:25 🍩
The floppy paper is the GSM that was chosen was too low. Most papers will come in different 'weights', which is represented by the GSM (grams per square metre).
I’ve always struggled with what size to print at. Frame size for the overall paper or to the mat board opening size, or just pick a size and customer can find or buy a frame to suit. It’s never ending and painful
This is exactly the headache I had for weeks 😅 In the end I decided go for frame size. At least that way those who are happy not to customise will have options that aren’t super expensive
How do you deal with recognisable landmarks in your prints? Aren’t they copyrighted by the owners?
WoW, It's not easy to choose with to buy. I'm from Hong Kong and I almost pass that place every day, but the pic from Japan is SICK... tell me what i gonna do
Glad you like them! The Japan one is of course really special to me - that’s the one I’ve personally chosen to have framed large at home ✌️
Of the 60+ YT photographers I follow, only AWOS has had long term success with online prints. I look forward to Sept 2023 and see how sales go. Shipping from the UK to the states is going to be expensive and definitely will have to be rolled
Selling prints online I belive is very challenging. I have sold a LOT of prints (over 15K prints over the last 10 years), but they were purchased from a number of retail storefronts (not my own), where people can physically see the print and that is where they really connect with it.
Hello Joe, very interesting video and some superb prints thank you. I want to print one of my own, taken from a drone, to present to my cricket club. Are you able to recommend a printer? This will be very much a one off. I am 81 with no interest in business. Thanks for your help.
You will have to keep your store open 24-7-365! Otherwise, people who discover your store when it's open and come back to buy again when it's closed will go away disappointed and maybe never return. At least put up a re-opening date - and stick to it!
Hello, I am Sam. If you have some time I want to discuss with you about the business