I presently shoot with both a Nikon 35 mm SLR and a Pentax 645 medium format, and use a variety of lenses and film. As previously stated I may use a UV filter, a polarizing filter, or a gradient density filter with the medium format, but do not otherwise use any other filters. As previously discussed in the Philosophy section, my subjects and scenes are virtually always photographed as seen, with only the "natural" or "existing light". I typically use slower speed films such as those with an ISO of 100 or slower.

Most of my images are scanned on a Nikon film scanner at 4000dpi. With the resulting large and detailed file sizes, we are able to produce outstanding quality prints in sizes that can exceed those of normal traditional darkroom techniques. Only minor alterations or corrections to the image file are made, such as dust and scratch removal, "artifact" or inherent film blemishes and density adjustments and minor color corrections, all only intended to bring the image back to it’s originally "seen" condition. Upon satisfactory completion of these changes, which are generally made with Adobe Photoshop software or the scanning interface software, the image file is ready for the proofing portion of the printing process. Upon completion of a stringent proofing selection and refinement process, the image is ready for final printing.

Printmaking has been a traditional tool of many artists. Photography has long been in the enviable position where "all" prints were also "original" prints and traditional art mediums had to create "prints" as lithographs and serigraphs. As the digital tools have improved, so has the quality of fine art digital printmaking, or as some refer to it, giclée printmaking. Giclée is a French word that translated loosely means "to spray". It refers to the spraying done by the professional quality printers, capable of laying down millions of tiny drops of ink onto the selected paper. At Troost Fine Art Photography we prefer to describe the process simply as digital fine art printing. It is currently the fastest growing print making technique, regardless of the terminology used, and may already be the most popular. It is considered by many in the art world to be one the best printmaking techniques, as it uses the finest papers available in combination with the most stable inks creating prints that have the greatest longevity.

After careful research of a variety of technologies and manufacturers, the decision to select the HP 5000 DesignJet Printer was made. This incredible technology can produce amazing imaging results. The apparent continuous tone prints, are created by the spraying of millions of very tiny drops of archival "pigmented" inks onto the selected media with incredible accuracy. The prints are available on either photographic papers, watercolor papers or other fine art media. All selected media is chosen based on the results of longevity test ratings and image quality and appearance. All prints are currently printed on HahnemÜhle’s fine art papers or other appropriately rated Hewlett Packard photographic and fine art papers. Custom prints can also be made on other media such as canvas. Please inquire.

After printing, the images are matted and or framed using conservation techniques for maximum image lifespan, unless you order a print rolled (not available with prints on photographic papers). Mat board, mounting boards and adhesives are all acid free. The standard glass used in framing is a UV (ultraviolet light) inhibiting glass. Other glass or plexi-glass options may offer slightly improved UV capabilities, anti-glare or anti-reflective viewing, for nominal additional charges depending on the size and material selection.

For information on these other options please contact us at custom@troostartphoto.com

Archival Prints

The use of "pigmented" inks with quality archival papers helps to ensure the longevity of the print. Many factors however contribute to the ultimate life span of a printed piece. These factors include the negative effects due to UV light, other light wavelengths, indoor and outdoor pollution, ozone, and high or low temperature and humidity. Information obtained from a variety of credible sources, especially the results of Wilhelm Imaging Research, www.wilhelm-research.com, has been studied to provide the confidence needed to assure you that your prints will likely last a lifetime. Print longevity for the inks used in our prints with most of the papers we use is shown by Wilhelm Imaging Research to have a lifespan in excess of 100 years. The testing criteria they use is involved and complicated but is accepted as the best by artists, photographers and printmakers everywhere. Please follow the care instruction on the label included with your print to help ensure the longest possible lifespan of you print.