Media choice
I am often asked what media is best to print on and what the best choice is. Below are some notes to help you make a choice. My aim is simple and that is to give the customer the best possible output using the best media types.
First, let me say that web images do not show the high quality of the images I take. Even digital files on screen do not have the same impact as printed output. Although it’s far easier for me to just send a digital file to you (I have no printing and packaging costs), buying the print is the "real deal"! Some people simply do not realize how good a print can be obtained from a professional large format printer. You can get your files done at High Street Photoshop but the quality will never be as good as a hand printed job. “You get what you pay for”, as the saying goes.
Digital files
These are emailed to you through "sendthisfile", an FTP server. You have 3 days in which to download otherwise the file will expire. However, don’t worry if it does expire, simply email me a request to send again. I can see through the FTP admin area whether or not the file has been downloaded. All digital files are sent after editing in Photoshop, and may not represent the actual original image taken in camera. They will have the same composition as seen on the web galleries and sharpened, cropped A3 size @ 300dpi. Or if I feel it appropriate for composition purposes, uncropped full size JEPG will be sent for you to adjust to size. You can do whatever you like with them. However, if you use them for commercial publication, please give credit to www.cyclingimages.co.uk.
Digital files burnt to disc
The image or images are burnt to CD, it will have the race name and date printed on the disc. All CDs are packaged in a secure case and posted in padded Jiffy envelopes.
Museo Max Fine art paper, 100% cotton
This would be my choice of paper. I have decided to give people the choice of using this paper, I use it for my Fine Art Exhibitions, it has to be seen to be fully appreciated. Cylingimages is probably the only cycling site to offer a paper of such quality. It is said that Museo Max sets the standard by which all past and future fine art papers will be judged. The world's leading cotton paper research organization has combined breakthrough technology with the finest ingredients to bring you a paper that is sure to impress. With a colour gamut larger than any other fine art paper on the market today, you'll get huge reds, vibrant blues, explosive greens, skin tones to perfection and paper texture that only 100% cotton papers give.
Epson Archival Matt
This paper from Epson produces great colour and mono prints, it does not reproduce the depth of colour, sharpness or texture of Museo Max, a cheaper alternative if cost is your priority.
Gloss paper
I only use Epson Premium gloss paper. It produces superb colour and detail and, if shiny surfaces are what you after, then this is the one to go for.
Black and White
Not only does Museo Max Fine art paper produce stunning colour images, it’s also one of the finest papers for all types of monochrome. If black & white prints are your choice, try Museo® MAX for maximum Dmax and fine detail, it’s unrivalled by any other rag paper. Crafted to archival standards, Museo® MAX produces Maximum density, Maximum gamut, and Maximum tonal range. All black and white, and Antique plates are printed on this paper.
All prints are sent by first class post in card backed envelopes, the prints are further protected inside by acid free sheets.
Canvas Prints
All my canvas prints are done by a local company which produces high quality, ready to hang canvases. Stretched canvases are printed on PremierArt water resistant canvas by Epson. The canvas prints are stretched around a 22mm high-quality stretcher frame. Please note: from order time to delivery can take up to 7 days.
Panoramic images (PANO)
This type of image is the full width of the picture but cropped narrow to give a feeling of width and space to the picture. Typical size would be 16" long by 7.5" wide. the image is centered on 13 x 19 inch paper or for a smaller Pano 5 X 11 inch centered on A4 paper size (8.3 x 11.7 inch), the order is sent with the unprinted areas not trimmed giving you have the option to use the unprinted area as part of the picture when framed.
Please note
I can supply stretched canvas prints in larger sizes than in the buy now area. Please contact me if you are considering a canvas over the size of 16x20 inch. I can then quote you a price
Magnetic frames
The overall dimension is 7 inches by 5 inches. Print size is 6 inches by 4 inches. Colour is subject to availability, usually blue or magenta. They will stick to any metal surface, fridge door etc. Prints are mounted behind clear perspex for protection. Posted in padded Jiffy envelopes.
Picture keyring
Have your cycling picture inserted into a Keyring, also acts as a bottle opener, great value item.
First, let me say that web images do not show the high quality of the images I take. Even digital files on screen do not have the same impact as printed output. Although it’s far easier for me to just send a digital file to you (I have no printing and packaging costs), buying the print is the "real deal"! Some people simply do not realize how good a print can be obtained from a professional large format printer. You can get your files done at High Street Photoshop but the quality will never be as good as a hand printed job. “You get what you pay for”, as the saying goes.
Digital files
These are emailed to you through "sendthisfile", an FTP server. You have 3 days in which to download otherwise the file will expire. However, don’t worry if it does expire, simply email me a request to send again. I can see through the FTP admin area whether or not the file has been downloaded. All digital files are sent after editing in Photoshop, and may not represent the actual original image taken in camera. They will have the same composition as seen on the web galleries and sharpened, cropped A3 size @ 300dpi. Or if I feel it appropriate for composition purposes, uncropped full size JEPG will be sent for you to adjust to size. You can do whatever you like with them. However, if you use them for commercial publication, please give credit to www.cyclingimages.co.uk.
Digital files burnt to disc
The image or images are burnt to CD, it will have the race name and date printed on the disc. All CDs are packaged in a secure case and posted in padded Jiffy envelopes.
Museo Max Fine art paper, 100% cotton
This would be my choice of paper. I have decided to give people the choice of using this paper, I use it for my Fine Art Exhibitions, it has to be seen to be fully appreciated. Cylingimages is probably the only cycling site to offer a paper of such quality. It is said that Museo Max sets the standard by which all past and future fine art papers will be judged. The world's leading cotton paper research organization has combined breakthrough technology with the finest ingredients to bring you a paper that is sure to impress. With a colour gamut larger than any other fine art paper on the market today, you'll get huge reds, vibrant blues, explosive greens, skin tones to perfection and paper texture that only 100% cotton papers give.
Epson Archival Matt
This paper from Epson produces great colour and mono prints, it does not reproduce the depth of colour, sharpness or texture of Museo Max, a cheaper alternative if cost is your priority.
Gloss paper
I only use Epson Premium gloss paper. It produces superb colour and detail and, if shiny surfaces are what you after, then this is the one to go for.
Black and White
Not only does Museo Max Fine art paper produce stunning colour images, it’s also one of the finest papers for all types of monochrome. If black & white prints are your choice, try Museo® MAX for maximum Dmax and fine detail, it’s unrivalled by any other rag paper. Crafted to archival standards, Museo® MAX produces Maximum density, Maximum gamut, and Maximum tonal range. All black and white, and Antique plates are printed on this paper.
All prints are sent by first class post in card backed envelopes, the prints are further protected inside by acid free sheets.
Canvas Prints
All my canvas prints are done by a local company which produces high quality, ready to hang canvases. Stretched canvases are printed on PremierArt water resistant canvas by Epson. The canvas prints are stretched around a 22mm high-quality stretcher frame. Please note: from order time to delivery can take up to 7 days.
Panoramic images (PANO)
This type of image is the full width of the picture but cropped narrow to give a feeling of width and space to the picture. Typical size would be 16" long by 7.5" wide. the image is centered on 13 x 19 inch paper or for a smaller Pano 5 X 11 inch centered on A4 paper size (8.3 x 11.7 inch), the order is sent with the unprinted areas not trimmed giving you have the option to use the unprinted area as part of the picture when framed.
Please note
I can supply stretched canvas prints in larger sizes than in the buy now area. Please contact me if you are considering a canvas over the size of 16x20 inch. I can then quote you a price
Magnetic frames
The overall dimension is 7 inches by 5 inches. Print size is 6 inches by 4 inches. Colour is subject to availability, usually blue or magenta. They will stick to any metal surface, fridge door etc. Prints are mounted behind clear perspex for protection. Posted in padded Jiffy envelopes.
Picture keyring
Have your cycling picture inserted into a Keyring, also acts as a bottle opener, great value item.
