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High Definition Photography
By Photographer Dan Harris

Historic San Marco Home Studio

1124 Riviera St.  Jacksonville, Florida  32207 (904) 398-7668

“Your artwork is a representation of you --your image should be impeccable!"

photoARTslides

From that first spark of inspiration on through its gestation and development periods, you've nurtured your artwork with great anticipation of hope that its birth into the world will fulfill its long anticipated destiny.

You've put a lot of yourself into your work, so before it begins it own journey you want a remembrance of it for the future. You grab your camera and take a few parting snaps. Although the images you took don't quite capture the true essence of your project, you pacify yourself by saying "it's good enough for now."

Over the years you regret not having a professional, reproducible, archival record of your work. You find yourself making excuses; I didn't have the time, the knowledge or the resources; I didn't know where to go; professional photography is expensive; some day (if possible) I'll re-do it.

In the end when both the original artwork and your original snapshot can't be found you are haunted by the words of your newfound publisher as she explains to you the value of those original images and how they would have spent thousands of dollars to be able to feature your favorite piece on the cover of their publication ...if only.

We are here to help you Document, Preserve and Share your passion! You need superior-quality images that will showcase your work for maximum impact and archival reproductions that will allow you to share your work with more people for multiple generations. Whether you want digital images or fine-art Giclees of your artwork from one master reproduction to hundreds of archival portfolio prints in various sizes, we make it easy for you! Call today for a free consultation. Superior-quality archival reproduction isn't expensive... It's priceless! Our large-format digital sensor with bigger pixels and superior optics capture the finest details and our true 16-bit technology is unequaled in color-accuracy and reproduction quality, these files are twice as good as you would get from the best DSLR camera on the market today!

Let's talk business: During his college years (in the early 80's) Dan worked in a commercial reproduction facility where he received extensive training in this type of work. He has been photographing Art for Artists ("PhotoArt") since that time and it became part of his company name when he opened his studio in Florida in 1997, back in the days of transparencies, pre-digital. Today he has all the top-of-the-line digital equipment, know-how and experience to do the job right!

Today some graphic-reproduction facilities, with similar equipment, are charging anywhere from $75-$250 per piece for a digital scan of this type. Because of our volume and specialization we are able to provide multiple digital file types on a 300-year gold archival CD for as little as $25 per image (in quantity, much less for full-time art students). We accept all major credit cards (including discover and diners).

What is your philosophy? Our goal is to make your artwork look the best it can while still maintaining accuracy and honesty in reproduction. This is best accomplished with a personal consultation and proofing session, (not mail-order). Often art will look very different under different lights or viewing conditions. Sometimes it is good to take a test print to the gallery with your original and compare how the lighting affects both. We are able to photographically reproduce the subtle textures contained in the original artwork including the background color, depth and unique textures of mixed-media pieces.
Where do you photograph my art? In my Historic San Marco home studio location -- 1 mile south of downtown Jacksonville -- by appointment only.
Do you photograph on location? Yes, but the pricing is different than shooting in the studio. Please call for details. The studio lighting conditions are optimized for this type of work resulting in the best quality possible.
My artwork is framed and/or under glass -do I need to remove it? No, because we are using high-end photographic equipment (not scanners) to capture the image, shooting through glass is not a problem for us. Artwork in a frame that is able to hang is even easier.
What if my art is mixed-media or on a bulky base or large wood? No problem. 3-D work is our specialty. Our unique process really helps to highlight the unique textures and unique materials that make your art stand out.
How long does it take? Our standard turn-around time for digital files is 4-6 working days. We can provide same-day rush service if needed. Giclee print work may take longer due to proofing, computer re-mastering, drying and coating times.
When I order digital files only what will I receive? With our standard service we provide 2 different file sizes on a gold archival 300-year CD. The CD will contain a Large Jpeg, a max 32 megapixel (18MB, 6400 pixel) jpeg file for general in-house printing of postcards, flyers, etc. and a Small Jpeg, a max 760 pixel image for e-mail, websites & computer presentations. With our publication service we provide a gold archival 300-year CD that contains: the original proprietary camera file, a max 186MB standard (or 558MB super-sized) and a open-architecture 16-bit printer's Tiff for professional publication and limited-edition reproductions.
What if I lose or damage my original CD/DVD? We keep a backup copy in a fireproof safe for up to 3 years so we can re-burn a new one for you.
What is a Giclee? The word "giclée" (ja-CLAY), was derived from the French language word "le gicleur" meaning "nozzle", or more specifically "gicler" meaning "to squirt, spurt, or spray”. The name was originally applied to fine art prints created on Iris printers in a process invented in the early1990’s but has since come to mean any high quality ‘sprayed-ink’ print and is often used in galleries and print shops to denote such prints.
How is an archival Giclee different from a photo print or ink-jet print? Today’s best Giclée printers use 8-12 different archival pigment-based ink colors to insure color accuracy and longevity. Our top-of-the-line archival Giclées have been coated on both sides with a UV protectant that not only protects the image from damaging: ultra-violet exposure, moisture, humidity, atmospheric contaminants, abrasion and fingerprints, but has been independently tested to not fade (based on the type of storage conditions) for 200 to 400 years. Photo prints will begin to discolor in 25-30 years and most ink-jet prints discolor within 5 years.
How much can I sell an archival Giclee reproduction of my artwork for? The average retail selling price is 15-25% of the original price of your original piece (plus framing) for unlimited smaller prints. Limited edition larger prints or artist-enhanced prints can sell for up to 50% of the originals price.
What other services do you offer? We can also duplicate and restore old photos and help you create a portfolio with our portfolio prints and can provide a headshot for your bio.
What is the difference between a photo print and a giclee? A photo print is a standard-sized 'proof' print of your work on standard paper for inclusion in your portfolio. It is not enhanced or UV coated and has been tested to not fade for up to 80 years whereas a master giclee printed on 100% cotton rag paper that has been UV coated on both sides and stored under UV inhibiting acrylic has been tested by an independent lab to not fade for 300-400 years.
I made a poster board of old family photographs we displayed at our family reunion, can you reproduce it? Yes, and unlike cheap 'photo copies' our reproduction quality will be as good or better than the original!
Why when I use my own digital camera to photograph my artwork the colors don't look right? Your camera only records 256 colors (ours records 65,536 colors per pixel - 256 times more) some of the colors used in the original artwork are not available colors in your camera so your cameras program will default to the closest color it has available which may not be close to the original.(click here to learn more about digital vs film images)
Can you provide slides or transparencies? Yes, 35mm slides mounted in archival holders (not paper) are often used for personal records or we can provide professional 6x4.5cm (medium format) or 4x5 (large format) unmounted transparencies for commercial purposes.
I thought 4x5 transparencies were the standard for publication? That was true years ago, before high-quality digital existed. (we can still provide them, if necissary) There was a time when we produce a 4x5 transparency, as an intermediate step, which was used on a drum scanner to make CMYK printing negatives or a digital file. Later, as digital processes evolved, the negatives were replaced with a Direct-To-Plate printing processes. Today we skip the intermediate steps (transparency and scan) and go direct to a high-resolution digital file.
How long have you been doing this type of work? In the early 80's Dan worked in a commercial reproduction facility while attending college and he has never gotten too far from it since. Technology has improved the workflow and quality on short runs but the principles of the reproduction process remain the same.
I had slides taken years ago of some of my work can you convert these to digital? Yes, the pricing for our digital scans depends on the quantity and quality required. Please call for details.
Do you offer student discounts? Yes, for full-time college students with proof of current enrollment.
What about artwork on thin paper? Not a problem, we have a 32"x39" vacuum table that holds the artwork flat, without damage, while it is being photographed.
What if my work is on a colored or specially textured paper? Not a problem, the reproduction will be made to look just like the original including background coloring and paper textures. The same is true of collages, we want them to reproduce with the greatest amount of depth, detail and texture so they look true to the original.
Do you shoot 3-D work? Yes, but if your work is fragile (or greenware) we ask that you handle your own pieces during the shoot to insure it's safety and to preview the images to be sure we have captured the proper angles.
What size prints can be made from the high-resolution digital files? We have had two- and three-story banners produced from our standard original files. The maximum size we offer in-house for archival Giclees is 40" wide and up to 80 feet long. If you plan on producing larger-sized, limited-edition prints, we can photograph the original so it will meet your exact output size requirements.
I am not the original artist, but I own artwork and want it photographed. Can you do that? Yes, for personal & insurance archival records but please remember that the original artist maintains the original copyright and it is illegal to print copies without the express consent from the artist, his or her estate or agent.
Can you make slides from digital files (or digital files from slides)? Yes, but the quality is much better if we start with the originals because second- and third-generation duplicates tend to increase contrast and lose clarity. If the original is totally unavailable, we can work with whatever you have.
I've had B&W Giclees printed that have strange color casts and shinny areas in the ink that change with the lighting conditions? Metamerism is all too common of a problem with inferior print systems. Our top-quality system insures your blacks and whites will look the same under any lighting conditions without any color crossover, strange color casts or bronzing.
Can I print my own prints on my home printer? Yes, but they won't last as long nor will the color and quality be as consistent. Our portfolio prints are electronically 'certified' for accuracy and longevity with our highly-sophisticated software and color spectrometer. Our Giclees go through some additional processes insuring archival 200-400+ year quality. Home prints never sell for as much as certified archival Giclee's. Home printers typically use 3-color Dye-based inks which are not archival and although they may make nice prints at first typically in a short period of time their output consistency diminishes. We have the best equipment and software for the job and our master print maker insures it is done right! We can give you consistent, color accuracy with each print and reprint order. You wouldn't want to risk your reputation and integrity as an artist by producing inferior-quality reproductions that don't provide lasting value.
When I order prints online why don't they look as good as the ones you print? Internet ordering programs 'dumb down' your digital files either in the upload process or in the size restrictions and file upload limitations thus reducing the quality of the original file they are printing from. Also, to be 'competitive', many online printers reduce their costs by using faster printing methods with less 'dots per inch' to reduce ink usage or don't apply adequate protective overcoats. Our master printmaker meets with the artist during a quality-assurance proofing session and will digitally re-adjust portions of the digital image as needed to insure maximum-quality output. We print from the original camera files at maximum resolution in a closed-loop system to insure there are no quality leaks --insuring world-class service.
I have seen framed Giclees that have fogged the inside of the glass, what causes that? Impatience... if a Giclee isn't properly cured prior to framing and gets exposed to a strong UV light after framing, the inks that aren't totally dry will release a gas which collects inside the frame. This can be corrected by unframing the art, cleaning the glass and letting the print cure for 48 hours at a minimum temperature of 70 degrees with a maximum humidity of 50%. If a Giclee is coated prior to proper curing, this same problem can cause milky looking areas under the protective coating. We guarantee all our work and don't rush the process so as to avoid these problems.
Why does my artwork look different on the computer? It may also look different on different computers and under different lighting conditions. Most backlit viewing systems (monitors, screens, TV's, etc.) use the additive theory of light (all colors equal white and no light equals black) while printed and painted media is using the reflective principles of light (all colors equal black and no color equals the background media color). So even if everything were equal (which it's not) there will always be differences between the two. Computers and digital projectors have a tendency to add contrast and color saturation. The issue is also compounded by different white balances/ K-color of the monitor, screen, projector bulb or viewing lights and the fact that these color temperatures are constantly changing over time. When you add to these issues the reflectance factors and florescent characteristics of the artists materials, which may be seen dramatically different by a camera than the human eye or that different people perceive color differently, you can have a real mess. Currently electronic devices (computers, printers, cameras, scanners, etc.) are unable to reproduce the full spectrum of light that the human eye can see. (see also color gamut) Computer monitors display fewer colors than we can print on a Giclee. This is why we like to have the artist involved in each step of the process so when an adjustment needs to be made we can be sure it truly reflects the artists original intentions. We have exacting color controls in place and are able to reproduce your artwork as accurately as humanly possible.
How long will a Fine Art Giclee last? We use Archival Pigment-based inks (not dye-based) on 100% cotton rag paper along with a special UV coating on both sides which has been independently tested to not show noticeable fading for over 200 years for color images and over 400 years for black and white images when properly stored under UV inhibiting glass or acrylic. Learn more information about image permanence from Epson.
Do you coat your Giclees? Yes, we apply multiple coats of non-yellowing, WIR certified acrylic resin on both sides of the print. This process protects the print from UV exposure, moisture, humidity, atmospheric contaminants, abrasion and fingerprints. This resin has been independently Performance Certified by Wilhelm Imaging Research. (Also See Epson's Image Permanence Report)