Prints
I think the ultimate expression of photography is a print. Although one can view images online it simply does not compare to the experience of seeing a large print on the wall of your home or office. I've had many clients tell me how my prints completely exceeded their expectations when they viewed them in person.
On this page, I explain what you need to know about my prints and how to purchase them. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask and you can email stephenbayphoto@gmail.com or call 619-496-9078.
My prints are available in two formats:
- Museum Quality Prints — This is a traditional photographic print made on a fiber paper with pigment inks. These are also often called archival pigment prints or giclee prints. This is a print alone and would need to be framed before hanging.
- Acrylic Fine Art Prints — This is a contemporary method of presenting a photograph where a high quality paper print has been meticulously adhered to a sheet of acrylic creating a visually stunning display. This print is ready to hang with a hidden frame behind the print that floats the image off the wall. No additional framing is necessary.
Shipping is included for the continental U.S. at no additional cost. Please contact me if you would like to have your print shipped internationally.
If you are located in or near San Diego and would like to see my prints in person, please contact me to arrange a viewing or check out my show schedule.
Museum Quality Prints
Print quality is extremely important to me and is something that I constantly obsess about. After I decided to offer my artwork for sale, there was no question that I would be making my photographic prints with pigment inks on the finest available papers.
A pigment print, also known as a Giclée print, is a photographic print made with pigment inks on a professional inkjet printer. The technology for this is very advanced and the quality far exceeds what can be produced with dye-based or traditional silver-halide prints. Specifically pigment prints have (1) outstanding color accuracy and vibrancy, (2) incredible detail and resolution, and (3) extreme longevity and resistance to fading.
The paper is equally as important as the inks used. Unless otherwise noted, I print my photos on Canson Infinity Platine Fibre Rag 310 gsm. This is a beautiful 100% cotton paper with a heavy weight and smooth satin finish. The paper is archival and has no optical brighting agents (which can fade with time) and is acid-free.
A pigment print made on cotton rag paper. This is a loose print ready for framing. The print will come with a small border around it with the signature in the bottom right.
Shipping
The print is shipped rolled in a sturdy tube and can be sent directly to you or to your framer.
Framing & Presenting the Artwork
Once you receive your print, you should have it framed. This is important for two reasons. First, framing will enhance the art by presenting it in a visually appealing manner. I personally like a simple black frame with a white mat, but you should choose a framing style that matches your personal taste and is consistent with your home's decor. Second, proper framing is important to protect the artwork from harmful UV rays and airborne pollutants. I recommend using UV blocking and anti-reflective glazing such as museum glass, Artglass, or Optium acrylic. These glazing choices are expensive but well worth the money and the anti-reflective coatings can make it seem like there is nothing at all in front of the art.
Acrylic Fine Art Prints
An acrylic fine art print is a contemporary and high-quality method of displaying photographs. This process involves adhering the front side of a photographic print to a sheet of acrylic glass, which enhances the image's vibrancy, depth, and durability. A second sheet of acrylic and mounting hardware is then added to the back resulting in a frameless presentation that appears to float the photograph in front of the wall. This is a popular choice for those seeking a modern and striking way to showcase artwork in residential, gallery, and commercial settings.
The primary benefits of acrylic prints are
- The print comes ready to hang and no additional framing is required.
- The image is visually stunning as the acrylic captures the light falling on the print and reflects it internally. This has the effect that the light appears to emanate from the print itself resulting in a brilliant and vibrant display.
- The print is completely sealed both front and back with acrylic and protected from harmful UV light, dust, scratches, and other environmental contaminants.
In terms of materials, I print my photograph with pigment inks onto a high gloss paper. I usually use Moab Slickrock Metallic Pearl 260 gsm. This paper is coated with a layer of mica-based particles which give it a distinctive metallic sheen and can resemble the shimmer and luster of pearls. In some cases, when I think it's appropriate for the specific image, I will use a different paper such as Epson Premium Glossy.
The front acrylic is TruLife acrylic which has the best anti-reflective and abrasion resistant coating on the market. It also blocks 99% of UV light rays to protect the artwork.
The back frame is made from sturdy aluminum moulding. It can be mounted with a french cleat or d-ring style hangers can be inserted into channels on the frame.
With an acrylic face-mount print, the photograph is sandwiched between a front layer of TruLife acrylic glass and a rear backing layer. This results in an extremely vibrant print while also protecting the photograph physically.
View of the front edge of an acrylic face mount print.
Rear view of the acrylic print with aluminum frame hardware to float the print and matching French cleat. Hanging rings can also be installed into the channels of the frame hardware if preferred.
Additional Framing
Your print will arrive ready to hang and no additional framing is needed. However some clients may prefer to add a traditional frame around the acrylic print. If you desire this please let me know when ordering.
Limited Editions
I print my photographs in limited editions where the total number of pieces made for each work is restricted. Most of my prints have an edition size of 100 although some may have smaller limits. Small prints under 15" on the long dimension are excluded from the edition. With the edition there may be a small number of artist proofs, no more than 10% of the edition size.
Museum prints are numbered and hand signed in the border. The number will be in the bottom left corner and the artist signature in the bottom right. Acrylic prints are signed and numbered on the back (on verso).
Each print will come with a signed certificate of authenticity that shows the image title and number.
Testimonials
The finished product is beautiful and Stephen went out of his way to accommodate every need. Not only is he an amazing photographer, he also offers an unprecedented level of services to make sure his customers are happy!
— Greg K
We wanted to let you know how pleased we are with your Sea Cave art – it is even better than we expected and looks absolutely great! Not only is the art wonderful, but the mounting and presentation is superb and impressive!
— John & Stephanie G.
Wow!!!! Today your photo arrived. It is absolutely stunning. My husband and I are moved near tears. You are a true artist. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts.
— Debbie G.
I received your print today and it is so beautiful words fail me. It was beautiful on line but in person it is exquisite. I purchased it for a friend who is going through a rough period in her life. I will get it matted and framed - I am sure this wonderful print will cheer her up. I wish your studio was on the east coast so I could view more of your prints in person. Thank you again.
— Louise G.
They are stunning. You are an excellent photographer with a wonderful eye. Your ability to “see” beauty & interest in what most consider ordinary is wonderful.
— Sandy R.
I got the prints today and they are gorgeous...and actually better than i was expecting. Can i get a f*** yes? Very satisfied customer over here.
— Justin P.
I just wanted to let you know that I received the print on Saturday and it's beautiful! I'll definitely be on the lookout for your work in the future!
— Nate H.
It actually arrived today. It is beautiful and so moving to me that I cannot even put it into words. It is already at the frames being worked on.
— Carol H.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to receive my print?
The prints are custom made for each order. For production and delivery, please allow 3-4 weeks for pigment prints, and 4-6 weeks for acrylic prints.
Where can the prints be displayed?
The prints should be displayed indoors in a temperature controlled environment. Take care to keep the prints out of direct sunlight and avoid excessively hot or cold areas (e.g. do not place over a fireplace). Finally avoid humid areas such as bathrooms.
How do I hang the prints?
The acrylic prints are very heavy and I recommend using a french cleat (included) as this will be the most secure method of hanging. Alternatively for smaller pieces, you can use two Floreat picture hangers (I use the 50 or 75lb rated). Make sure to get the actual Floreat brand and not a knock-off.
How do I clean and take care of my acrylic print?
Please see this PDF on how to care for your print.
What is your return policy?
I work extremely hard to ensure that the prints come out beautifully and that you will be thrilled with your purchase. However, if you are unhappy with your print for any reason, you may return it within 30 days and receive a refund less a 25% restocking fee. Return shipping is the responsibility of the purchaser.