Increasingly sophisticated photographic printing techniques have resulted in the development of fine art photography. Fine art prints are considered collectibles and much sought after the world over. Art prints have in fact revolutionized the art world, with photographers able to create masterpieces that can be considered art, and valued accordingly. Art prints have also brought the works of masters into the reach of buyers with modest budgets. Unlike traditional photographic prints that are reproduced on photosensitive paper, art prints are inkjet prints on non-photosensitive papers. The process is called gicle printing (in French the verb "gicler" means "to spray or squirt") and involves the spraying of inks or pigments onto paper. Since no mechanical devices are used, a gicle print shows up a continuous tone image, much like the original painting in color and shadow. Gicle prints can be made on paper of different textures, and when mounted, look amazingly like paintings. Multiple prints or reproductions of an original masterpiece make it more accessible to a larger number of people. The number of impressions of a particular work is called an edition. An artist or photographer can choose to make limited editions of his work, and each one can be considered an original. An artist can also choose to make unlimited editions, which may be numbered or unnumbered. While limited editions are usually more valuable, unlimited editions of certain artists can be equally expensive. The value of an art print ultimately depends on the artist who created the original work. Digital photography allows photographers to tweak and manipulate their work, playing with the final result till they are satisfied. Most choose to make prints of a few photographs till they figure out if they will sell. A photographer can also alter a popular image over time, making changes in color or lighting, so that every print looks a little different. Art prints have opened up a whole new world of possibilities for art lovers, who now have almost unlimited options to choose from. |
