Prints That Win: The Dreams That Haunt Me

Dennis Hammon, a PPA affiliate juror, is no stranger to the Sunset Print Awards. He and his wife, fellow photographer Cheri Hammon, have six awards between them. The beloved Sunset Print Awards have been limited over the last few years, as many shows have been virtual, but for Hammon it’s about telling the story from capture to print.

“The print is the completion of the vision of the image. We feel that’s important and why l love submitting prints,” he says. “We’re glad LexJet could do the award in 2021, even though it was virtual. I wish it were print.”

Last April, Hammon submitted a sobering black and white portrait for the 2021 PPI (Professional Photographers of Idaho) Convention. One of the essential elements of photography is “Impact,” and Hammon’s capture packs plenty of punch.

“I was teaching a workshop at the Winona School of Photography in Indiana a few years ago, and I was looking for an older gentleman or a biker persona,” he says. “I saw this guy, a Vietnam vet, wearing a POW hat. He didn’t go into a lot of stuff. He was reticent about his history, and we just talked briefly.”

After listening to his quiet reflection, Hammon knew he needed something special for the portrait. “He alluded to some sad times in his life, and that’s why I changed the lighting, to show a different kind of lighting. It’s not pretty lighting; it’s very dramatic lighting. And then I came up with the title for it: The Dreams That Haunt Me.”

His capture of a haunting moment did not go unnoticed. Hammon scored many accolades, including 100 at PP of Idaho, Best of Master Portrait – PP of Idaho, Top 10 Portraits in PPA Western District, and PP merit image. “During the judging in Idaho, three of the judges couldn’t do the rebuttals or talk because after they saw the image, heard the title, and heard other people talking about it, they were emotional and couldn’t even talk to give a rebuttal,” he says. “It’s a very emotional piece for people.”

Sunset Print Award Winner Dennis Hammon

Hammon knew right away what to do for the presentation, and although recent submissions have been virtual, he knows printing “The Dreams That Haunt Me” on Sunset Fibre Elite would have only intensified his score. “I knew it had to be black and white as soon as I saw it,” he says. “If I had printed that image on Fibre Elite, it would have sailed out of the system, I promise you.”

The Sunset Print Awards are a favorite in the Hammon household. “It’s always an honor to win that award. It’s my favorite of all. I’ve won Photographer of the Year several years in a row and – don’t take this the wrong way – but I’d rather get the LexJet than that,” he says. “It’s important to me because I know it’s a high-scoring image, but I’m also supporting a brand, which is supporting us. And I think that’s important.”

You can learn more about Dennis Hammon and his award-winning photography HERE.

LexJet Essentials: Marabu Liquid Laminates

Umbrellas. Seat belts. Sunscreen. A suit of armor. All of these are forms of protection. Everyone knows the importance of protection. So why do so many photographers pass up the opportunity to ensure their work last for generations?

Whether creating a family heirloom canvas wrap or a banner to celebrate a milestone birthday, Marabu has a liquid coating for you.

Marabu ClearShield Select is perfect for manual or automated applications and provides chemical and scratch resistance on rigid substrates, canvas, vinyl, and banners. It is available in gloss, semi-gloss or matte finishes.

Marabu StarlamOwn a StarLam? Marabu Clearshield Select for StarLam is your laminate of choice. It’s the same Clearshield formula, but with lower viscosity, so it works perfectly with roll-to-roll laminators like the StarLam 1600R.

The entire Marabu line of protective coatings offers you and your clients peace of mind, knowing that their images and artwork are safe for years to come.

Find your perfect protection on our website or call us at 800-453-9538, and one of our printing specialists will be happy to help. Want more information? Visit the Marabu booth at The LexJet Experience.

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Get a Darkroom Look with Sunset Fibre Elite

Most photographers today love the idea of creating the perfect image on an inkjet printer but miss the look and feel of images brought to life in the darkrooms of the past.

Some photographers may not know that they can have the best of both worlds with Sunset Fibre Elite 285g. You get the beautiful reminiscent of hours developing film, but without the worry of just the slightest bit of light ruining your perfect capture.

Sunset Fibre Elite 285g is a fiber-based paper with an extra smooth and glossy look designed for color and black-and-white photo reproductions of the highest caliber.

Dennis Hammon PhotographyProfessional photographer and PPA affiliate juror Dennis Hammon spent 35-years working in dark rooms. He loves the look and feel of Sunset Fibre Elite. “I’ve always had a darkroom, and the Fibre Elite mimics some of the papers I used way back when; that’s why I’m drawn to it,” he says. “The feel, the texture, the luster of it and how it holds the tooth of the image for me. We have other papers, but that’s the only thing I put my work on.”

Sunset Fibre Elite delivers the wide color gamut required for fine-art photography, photo restoration work, and more.

Dennis Hammon PhotographyHammon, who works closely with his wife, Cheri – also a professional photographer – says it’s what sets his images apart from others. “We’re selling a lot of the fine art, and the Fibre Elite is the look I want. It’s different from everybody else’s images they’re trying to sell. We’re trying to set ourselves apart with the quality and look of the paper.”

The next time you want that throwback darkroom look for your work, try printing with Sunset Fibre Elite 285g. Buy it online, or give one of our printing specialists a call at 800-453-9538, and they’ll be happy to help.

LexJet Essentials: Sunset Bright Velvet Rag

Wedding, graduation, and Mother’s Day photography season are upon us, and these life-changing moments deserve to be immortalized on a photo paper chosen by award-winning photographers. If you’re looking for a photo paper that balances dependability and durability, along with high-quality and reasonable pricing, look no further than Sunset Bright Velvet Rag 315g.

Sunset Bright Velvet Rage is a 100% cotton rag paper that’s a favorite among many photographers and print shop providers who specialize in photo restoration.

It features a velvet surface that offers a unique museum-quality feel, ensuring your images are classics for years to come.

Kimberly Smith PhotographyProfessional photographer and Sunset Print Award winner Kimberly Smith uses Sunset Bright Velvet Rag for her competition submissions. She loves how it perfectly complements her black and white prints. “The cottony feel and thickness caught my attention, and it prints beautifully every time,” she says.

Kimberly Smith PhotographySmith also loves to deckle the edges. “The 100% cotton rag paper rips smoothly and quickly compared to other photo papers,” she says. “The thickness means the tears on the edges are perfect for a soft multi-layered look.”

Sunset Bright Velvet Rag has the strength, durability, and high performance you want from a high-end photo paper. Contact a LexJet specialist at 800-453-9538 or visit LexJet.com for more information.


LexJet Experience

Now Available: ChromaLuxe Repositionable Wall Tiles

The world of photography just got repositionable.

ChromaLuxe Wall Tiles

Introducing ChromaLuxe Wall Tiles, an easy, repositionable way to showcase many of your favorite photos at once without damaging your walls. Available in three shapes: square, hexagon, or rectangle, you can turn your house into a personal art gallery.

With the characteristic ChromaLuxe vibrance, Wall Tiles have a rich and colorful white wood surface giving you a unique way to display personal photos, even when rearranging your living space.

ChromaLuxe Wall Tiles“The new ChromaLuxe Wall Tiles offer personalization to any space, and there are no special tools, nails, or holes required,” says Michelle Oczkowski, S-One product manager. “The repositionable adhesive gives you the chance to display those important memories in an endless number of ways.”

Wall Tiles is an excellent opportunity for photographers looking to add niche offerings to their portfolios. Your clients can document a lifetime of achievements with this new product, from children to graduation to bridal.

For more information, contact a LexJet specialist at 800-453-9538 or visit lexjet.com today.

ChromaLuxe Wall Tiles

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LexJet Experience

Free Webinar: Why Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-Series? Tune In and Find Out

On Wednesday, Mar. 30, at 11 a.m. ET, Pete Wright, will host a live webinar and discusses the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-Series. Wright has years of experience with Canon as a technical specialist and an award-winning photographer.

All attendees can receive 5% off MSRP for a new PRO-Series Canon. If you are considering the new 12-color PRO-2100, PRO-4100, or PRO-6100, or the new 8-color PRO-4100S or PRO-6100S, register for our live event.

Stick around for a live Q&A after the webinar.

The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-Series printers include breakthrough technology for professionals who demand perfection. Canon sets the bar by delivering rich, detailed, brilliant colors in 24-, 44-, and 60-inch widths.

The product line includes professional photography and fine art models, production signage, infographics and posters, technical documents, and general use markets.

Sign up online or call one of our printer specialists at 800-453-9538 for additional information.

*Webinar promotion can be combined only with monthly instant rebates. Not valid with any other promotions or programs.