Jasper Goodall, Fine Art Photographer – Twilight’s Path project – Inkjet or C-Type?
Eye 4 Colour recently invited Jasper Goodall to put our new photographic print workflow to the test. The offer was to test print images from Jasper’s challenging Twilight’s Path series of nocturnal photographs to see how the print quality would compare to his existing C-Type prints.
The images that Jasper supplied, immaculately constructed with Jasper’s inimitable finesse would challenge our ability to print large areas of solid black and smooth gradations seamlessly. We first tested Canson Infinity Baryta Photographic II 340gsm then, Canson Baryta Prestige Gloss 340gsm until we settled on Ilford Galerie Smooth Pearl 310gsm paper. In each case the print quality easily improved on C-Type, with better sharpness, dense neutral blacks, accurate colour and smooth gradients.
This Ilford paper has the look of a classic photo paper with a homogenous surface texture and finish previously associated with C-Type prints. Jasper, had very clear expectations for his exhibition prints and limited editions as this high value work needs to offer the best reproduction so that all the subtle hues and shadow detail are realised.
In the example shown on the right here you can see an improvement to the ‘punch’ and black hue although you’ll need a calibrated monitor to really appreciate it. (There has been no editing of these comparative images)
Of course if you want to see larger images or wish to visit us you’ll get the opportunity to see for yourself why we have such confidence that your images would also see a significant leap in quality.
This has been achieved by Eye 4 Colour having the latest print technology, and custom colour calibration in the RIP workflow which can only be perfected with experience.
Whilst we offer competitive rates for automated print fulfilment where you send files via WeTransfer and we print and ship them. Our most satisfying work comes from collaboration and personal involvement. We’re very open about how we work and encourage co-operation over colour management and file specifications.
On the left you can see the top image is C-Type and the one below is our Ilford Galerie Smooth, again there was a flatness which resulted in less impactful prints. The Ilford print preserves all the detail and colour rendering and the black just brings the depth that was lacking.
The colour gamut of this paper and ink combination allows for 948,000 colours to be reproduced accurately and a black point of L1,a0,b0 which is as near to the perfect black as you’re ever likely to see.
Here is the review that Jasper wrote:
Graeme worked and worked to achieve the highest screen to paper colour fidelity possible. With particularly challenging files, which were very dark (and thus put down vast amounts of ink) he surmounted all the potential issues to arrive at a stunning final result. Ever accommodating, he patiently listened to my niggles with different paper surfaces, ordering in various rolls of stock to test until we were happy that we could not achieve a better result. When comparing his inkjet prints with C-types I have had made in the past, there was an obvious improvement in contrast, definition and overall ‘punch’, most obviously in the quality and depth of the blacks. Now that we have a workflow set up, I know I can order prints with a very predictable, and very impressive result. (Oh and did I mention? – he is also absolutely lovely!) Thanks Graeme
Jasper Goodall, Fine art photographer
We’re always really keen to work with professional photographers who want the best prints for their projects. Please email graeme@eye4colourprints.co.uk for further information.
