17 September 2007

 

It is a myth that only professional photographers have access to the high-quality equipment to print as large as A3+. Advanced printing technology now ensures bigger prints are accessible to anyone who cares about photography.

We already know that for maximum visual impact, nothing does justice to a great photograph and lodges it in the memory like a larger print.

Bigger photographic images are also being used to fantastic decorative effect in the home in place of the traditional painting, as anyone browsing a top style magazine will know.

So, increasingly for any photo enthusiast who wants to realise the creative potential of their images by displaying the full extent of their skill, size really does matter.

And fortunately there are a growing number of creative choices for how those shots are presented: matte, glossy or canvas papers each lending their own unique effect.

“Our natural reaction to a photographic image is stronger, and the visual impact is much more memorable, if it’s printed large,” agrees Michaela Stolle, Product Manager, Pro Photo, Epson Europe. “A printer capable of printing up to A3+ is therefore an excellent choice for any photographer who wants to create a better means of displaying their pictures in the home or at exhibitions. And most professional photographers don’t settle for anything less.”

However, such professionals realise that their reputation rests not just on the dimensions of their images, but, also the quality of the end print.

So, when producing prints for exhibition and fine art sales, they need a brand that not only will deliver the size that they want, but also delivers consistent premium quality that they can rely on.

And, the latest figures confirm, that trust is being placed with Epson.

Its large format printers have gained a decisive 46% market share across Western Europe, making it the number one choice for professional photographers .

“Our strong position is due to Epson’s leading research and development into larger format printing.  Also, with Epson Micro Piezo print head technology, we offer photographers flexible printing options. For example, Epson has been able to develop a range of ink technologies to meet specific photo printing needs. Epson’s flagship A3+ printer, the Stylus Photo R2400 also features a straight paper path that allows photographers to print onto media up to 1.3mm thick. There is no need for mounting prints prior to display. Epson’s also offers a further choice of two A3+ models. Fine art paper and roll paper for panoramic prints can be loaded through each via a dedicated paper feed” reveals Epson’s Stolle.

“Photo enthusiasts, who own high specification digital cameras can trust Epson printers, ink and paper to reproduce the unprecedented degree of detail and subtlety their D-SLR cameras are capable of capturing. Also, the creative opportunities of printing larger, don’t rest with digital images only.  Today’s high-end scanners such as the Perfection V750 Pro will create digitized files of films in exceptional quality, ready to be displayed once again.

Epson ink technology: meeting the needs of photographers

Meeting that demand for excellence from photo enthusiasts, Epson’s mastery of ink technology has led to a unique range of photographic ink-sets, including Claria Photographic Ink, UltraChrome™ Hi-Gloss and UltraChrome™ K3.

All Epson ink sets are offered as individual ink cartridges, so only the colour that is used needs to be replaced. Claria Photographic Ink, featured in Epson’s consumer A4 range, is included in the A3+ Stylus Photo 1400 and offers images with rich definition and excellent durability.

UltraChrome Hi-Gloss is a pigment ink and allows users to enjoy vibrant colours and smooth, glossy output, with the inherent longevity of pigment ink, while UltraChrome K3 delivers superior quality colour and B&W printing thanks to a revolutionary three black ink system.

“Enthusiast photographers not only have the best ink technology at their disposal but also one of the widest ranges of optimised photo media with which to fulfil their creative vision,” adds Epson’s Stolle. “Put our new ink technologies and glossy, matte or canvas media together with the Stylus Photo range, and you have a premium photo printing system for those who want to make the most of their images.”