From photons to pixels to print – same day. One of the things I love about being able to print my own work is that I can, almost real time, print the work I am creating. Often I create something and love it so much I just want to enjoy it off of the computer. Or, I tried something new and I want to see how it translates to paper. I want to hold it in my hands, feel as well as see the texture. I can do that now that I have a printer.
A couple of months ago, I started a weekly “print practice.” My goal is to print one or two pieces a week, to get better at editing for print. Get a feel for the effects of different papers and really learn this part off the process. I’ve stuck with it most weeks, and I’m definitely I improving. I really love my prints.
The problem became how to display them. I thought about my magnet boards, but they are really not big enough to hold multiple large prints. I have a bunch of old frames in the garage, but they would need some repainting to match my studio and they are standard sizes. I would either have to start printing standard sizes or get mats. The thought of changing things out of mats and frames all of the time wasn’t appealing either.
So it was synchronicity last week that when I finally put away my painting easel and created some free wall space, I ran across these magnetic photo ropes on Photojojo. I bought three in red, on a whim, hoping they would work in the newly empty space.
They are awesome! I can print and hang within seconds, easily changing images out. Each rope comes with eight super strong magnets, which work great even for the heavy fine art papers I’m using. It’s still a clean, uncluttered look, even with many images on display.
Now when I sit in my comfy chair, this is my view. Nice view, huh?
I’m already learning a lot. It’s interesting to see how some images, loved in the moment, quickly fade away and I want to replace them. Others last longer. Some images don’t translate well from screen to paper, or need a little more work to translate well. After looking at them in different light I can see how I might need to adjust them. I’ve already changed up what’s displayed here several times in the last few days. It looks different this morning than it did when I took these images on Saturday.
In David duChemin’s workshop he encouraged us to “live with our work.” I understand why. We are more picky, we improve, when we have to look at it every day. How do you display your work?
Very interesting concept; one that I may try to implement. I do have a rather good size arrangement of my images in my bonus room and several others hanging in hall-ways and other rooms.
The main point I got from your post today, however, is to PRINT the images. I need to do a better job of this. You make a very valid point that often what one sees on the monitor is not the same as what sees in a print. Just like practice is important for keeping one’s shooting skills honed, I would suspect that with practice one’s printing skills would improve.
Thank you for giving me much to think about today.
Yep, printing images is a skill that takes practice, just like any other aspect of photography. It’s coming quickly though!
You know Kat, I haven’t been “living” with my work and I’ve been wanting to change that….this is a brilliant way to do that…I’m going to check these out right now!! Thank you!
So, did you order them???
That´s quite interesting.I have displayed some of my photos in my inspiration board but it is a completely different concept as they create a sort of collage and have not an individual identity. I also bought some frames, but they are still empty because I have to select the photos that could go with them. But the way you´re doing is much easier and appealing, your photos look beautiful
Thank you Zena! It is so much easier to manage this than a wall of frames. It will encourage me to switch them out and around. I wonder what I’ll find as I group them? One thing I already notice… blue, green and brown are my colors right now.
Love this idea of displaying your photos! Must be lovely to see your lovely creations each day!
I’m loving it!
I love seeing your work displayed like that, Kat – what a great view!
(I’ve bookmarked that site… those ropes are now on my wishlist 🙂 )
xo
Kristin
Very cool! Send a pic when you get them someday!
Thanks for your thoughts. I just ordered 6 magnetic ropes. A few years ago I made my own poor-boy version with ropes/ribbons and paperclips and clothespins. They work moderately well but this will be so much easier and cleaner looking. I’ve also recently tried to focus on printing more of my photos. I need to be more discriminating though and just choose a handful.
Awesome! You will have a whole wall of photos to enjoy!
Great find! Like you, I don’t relish the idea of taking photos in and out of frames as my tastes change. I’m going to give these a try.
Kat, thank you for this post, it’s ‘heaven sent’. Me too, I was pondering over ‘if I print, how to showcase’. Being in luck, last night I googled and found a German company that sells the ropes! Now – thanks to you – I’ll get on with my latest addiction: trees!
Yay! You are ready to print!
Those are so awesome, Kat! I’m ordering right now…
Great! I knew others would like them too.
Great idea! I NEVER print my work unless for digital scrapbook pages. I didn’t want to commit. This is brilliant and I will order right away for myself and for my daughter, a professional photographer.
Awesome Victoria!
A wonderful display solution. Thanks for sharing. BTW, having seen your prints in person, I can attest to the fact that “practice DOES make perfect.” You make superb prints.
Thank Bill! That’s very nice of you to say. I still feel like I have a lot to learn!
I must have been in a similar headspace to you last week Kat because I printed a whole heap of images. As you know, most of mine are of my kids and I have them all along my stairs but they are two years old and I wanted to update them, but I kept waiting for the next best photo. I do look at the ones there and think how I could improve them but they are some of my favourites not because they are technically good but I have an emotional connection to them. Next I think I need to print my more portrait more obscure images and your way of hanging them is perfect.
Great! Please share. I would love to see what you print.
I’m inspired – thanks~