PRINTING PROCESS
Pochron Studios’ printing process revolves around the needs of the individual client and project. Generally, the process starts as a meeting with our master printer, Julie. These meetings are an opportunity to discuss color, art direction, art at large, or whatever may help realize the perfect print. Later, the client can see a printed range of tests regarding size, color, paper, and anything else discussed. The artist then has the option to move to final prints or request further testing.
Additionally, clients can discuss their post-production needs with us (see Mounting). Within this process is the option for scanning, retouching, and as many, or few, meetings with Julie as necessary. The malleable workflow can be perfect for artists wanting a more hands on experience or looking for collaborative input on projects. Artists should discuss with us what they do and do not need in their workflow.
We produce both traditional c-prints and digital C-prints, and have recently begun inkjet pigment printing (giclée). Regardless of the chosen medium, our meticulous color standards ensure that every fine art print meets a uniform and archival color standard.
C-PRINTS (Chromogenic Prints)
A chromogenic print, or silver halide print, is a photographic print made from exposing a color negative or digital image onto sensitized paper and developed using RA-4 chemistry in a color processor.
We can produce C-prints both from film, enlarged in a darkroom, or from a digital file on our ‘Durst Lambda,’ exposing the paper via lasers. The paper is then processed using Fuji’s RA-4 chemistry to develop the paper. Although the method of exposure on the paper may be different, since the paper and development process are the same they are both C-prints.
The standard C-print papers we use are ‘Fujicolor Crystal Archive Professional Paper Super Type CN’ and ‘Kodak Professional Endura Premier Paper’. Independent studies by Wilhelm Imaging Research show that Fuji Crystal Archive is the most fade-resistant of all photographic (silver halide) papers currently in production. Matte and glossy surfaces are available for all standard papers and various specialty papers are available from either manufacturer.
TRADITIONAL ANALOG C-PRINTING
Analog C-printing is the original printing method offered by Pochron Studios. Julie Pochron has been printing professionally in a darkroom for clients (and herself) since 1995 and has developed unique and unparalleled skills in the darkroom.
Our color darkrooms accommodate any color negative up to 4x5 to make an analog c-print up to 30x40 at the highest color standards.
DIGITAL C-PRINTING
Whether from a film scan (see Digital Services) or a file from a digital camera, Pochron prints the highest quality digital C-prints. Our Durst Lambda 131 acts as a digital enlarger; lasers expose the image onto C-print paper and the paper is then processed through chemistry.
Printing sizes range from 8x10 to 50x144 at the highest color standards, turning your digital file into a mastered color print.
INKJET PIGMENT PRINTING
Pochron is now offering inkjet pigment printing (giclée) with our Epson SC-P20000. One of the latest printers from Epson, it has a nine-color ink set, including 4 grays, making the process ideal for both color and black-and-white prints. The Wilhelm Imaging Research rates the archival ink for up to 200 years for color and 400 years for black-and-white.
We supply Canson and Hahnemühle papers that are the highest quality, free of acid and optical brighteners to ensure an archival print.
Other papers are available upon request; we can help clients find the right paper for their project. Sizes range from 8x10 to 60x120.
