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Posted on by Regan Dickinson Posted in Case Studies & Profiles
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Sunset Print Award Grand Prize Winner: Permanent Bond

Permanent Bond by Tammy Bevins

The judging panel for the first annual National Sunset Print Award described the First Place Grand Prize winner – Permanent Bond by Tammy Bevins – as “flawless,” “masterful” and “fully resolved.” The image depicts the bond her twin sons have had since before they were born.

In fact, there was little debate about the print, other than how perfect each element of the image – from composition to lighting – was absolutely spot-on.

Permanent Bond was one of 29 prints judged at LexJet headquarters in Sarasota, Fla., on Thursday, Nov. 13. All of the entries in the National Sunset Print Award competition won a Sunset Print Award at state and regional competitions across the U.S. in 2014.

Permanent Bond won the Sunset Print Award at the Professional Photographers of South Carolina (PPSC) competition, and was thus automatically eligible for the national competition.

Sunset Print Award
One of Tammy Bevin’s twins prepares to get into the water tank for the Sunset Print Award-winner, Permanent Bond.

“It took four minutes to photograph something, but it took me four years to come up with the idea,” says Bevins. “For several years I’ve been trying to come up with a concept to show the bond my twins have with each other and what it means to be a twin. It’s one of the most amazing experiences to have twins that look so much alike and have been best friends. Over the years I didn’t come up with something I was inspired to do until I came up with Permanent Bond. I wanted to position them like they were in the womb together, and I used rope to signify the umbilical cord.”

The shoot actually took more than four minutes as Bevins built a water tank in the back yard filled with a few inches of water and dry ice to create the fog effect. What you see is basically what Bevins captured; there was very little Photoshop work done to the image.

Bevins captured the image with a Canon 5D Mark II with a 24-70mm lens at 1/200, f/4.6, and 160 ISO. Master printer Jonathan Penney, Center Moriches, N.Y., printed the image on fine art paper.

Sunset Print Awards
The judges at the first annual National Sunset Print Awards evaluate Permanent Bond by Tammy Bevins. Photo by Billy Elkins.

“I used available light and a 2×3 soft box. I had the soft box on pretty low and wanted the light skimming across them and coming up from the top a bit,” explains Bevins.

Bevins runs Nuvo Images in Charleston, S.C., with her daughter and son-in-law, both of whom are award-winning photographers as well. Bevins has nine children – six girls and three boys – ranging in age from 13 to 29. The twins are the third and fourth out of the nine.

“I grew up in West Virginia, and everyone in my family were coal miners. I moved to South Carolina after I got married and was in the medical field. We started having children and I stayed home with the kids, which gave me some time to explore my creative side,” says Bevins. “About 13 years ago I started taking art classes in oil painting at the local museum and I absolutely loved it. My husband suggested I take photography classes, and it really exploded for me and fit my lifestyle. My first year in business was 2004 and I immediately joined PPA and PPSC, and shortly thereafter got interested in print competitions.”

The National Sunset Print Award judging panel - from left to right, Carmen Schettino, Julie Hughes, Jessica Vogel, Tom Carabasi and Rich Newell - with their choice for First Place, Permanent Bond by Tammy Bevins. Congratulations, Tammy!
The National Sunset Print Award judging panel – from left to right, Carmen Schettino, Julie Hughes, Jessica Vogel, Tom Carabasi and Rich Newell – with their choice for First Place, Permanent Bond by Tammy Bevins. Congratulations, Tammy!

Bevins’ accomplishment at the National Sunset Print Awards is made all the more remarkable by the quality and variety of the images entered in the competition, from fine art photography to portraits and landscapes.

Julia Kelleher of Jewel Images in Bend, Ore., won second place for He Has Arrived. Click here to read the story behind Kelleher’s award-winning print that scored a 100 at the PPA Western District print competition.

Pete Wright won third for his retro image, Temptress, which won a Sunset Print Award at the PPA Southeast District competition. Click here to read the story behind this stunning image.

Congratulations to all the 2014 Sunset Print Award winners who made it to the National competition! Go to http://www.sunsetprint.com/previous-winners/ to see all the winners from 2014 and earlier years, and the stories behind the photography. While you’re there, look around to find out more about the 2015 competition and which competitions you can enter for a shot at a Sunset Print Award.

And, special thanks to our judges this year, who not only did a thorough and fair job, but gave everyone at LexJet a valuable education in what makes a print stand out at competition. This year’s judges were: Tom Carabasi of Ringling College of Art + Design; Julie Hughes, Abbey of London, Jensen Beach, Fla.; Rich Newell, Professional Photographers of America; Carmen Schettino, Carmen Schettino Photography, Sarasota; Jessica Vogel, Jessica Vogel Photography, Shelbyville, Ky.

Posted on by Regan Dickinson Posted in News & Trends, Technology & Products
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Canvas Printing without the Canvas

Sunset Photo Canvas Paper
Fine-art painting by Virginia Phillips (virginiaphillips.com) reproduced by Sharpeye Framing Company on Sunset Photo Canvas Paper 230g.

Print shops, fine-art reproduction companies, photographers and other print providers can now offer their customers canvas prints without the canvas: Sunset Photo Canvas Paper 230g from LexJet.

The new photo paper is LexJet’s popular Premium Archival Matte Paper embossed with a canvas texture, complete with all the benefits of Premium Archival Matte: an instant-dry coating for smudge-free printing and handling; a large color gamut for high-contrast, high-resolution printing; and an acid-free, pH-neutral thick and heavy base for trouble-free printing, mounting and framing.

“This paper saves us a lot of time, cost and labor because it’s basically a two-step process: it comes off the printer, we mount it and it’s done. It gives a canvas look, texture and feel at a lower price point than canvas, and the image quality is great,” says Ryan Wanke, president of Sharpeye Framing Company in Michigan City, Ind.

Sunset Photo Canvas Paper 230g is not an alternative for canvas gallery and museum wraps. Rather, it is an alternative for mounted and framed canvas prints since canvas can be difficult to mount to a board due to its weight and physical properties.

The embossed texture of Sunset Photo Canvas Paper 230g is similar to the 2-over-1 weave of LexJet’s award-winning Sunset Select Matte Canvas, providing a smoother and more consistent canvas texture on a matte finish.

“People love canvas, which is why canvas printing is such a growing market with a lot of opportunity for our customers,” says Jaimie Mask, LexJet’s product manager. “The biggest seller is and will likely always be canvas gallery wraps. However, there is a robust market for mounted and framed canvas prints, and Sunset Photo Canvas Paper makes it easier and more cost-effective to serve this niche.”

Sunset Photo Canvas Paper is now available in 17″, 24″, 36″, 44″ and 50″ widths and 100′ roll lengths from LexJet’s Nationwide Delivery Network. As with all LexJet-branded products, Sunset Photo Canvas Paper comes complete with a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee and free and unlimited phone support from LexJet’s team of printing experts. To find out more, contact one of those experts at 800-453-9538.

Posted on by Regan Dickinson Posted in News & Trends, Tips & Tricks
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Last Call and Details on the Upcoming Hands-On Printer Workshops

Printing Workshops in California and TexasEverything you wanted to know about inkjet printing for a variety of fine art, sign and display and photography applications will be known at the upcoming free hands-on workshops in Irvine, Calif., on Aug. 13, and Irving, Texas, on Aug. 20.

Sponsored by Canon and LexJet, the workshops will feature a close examination of Canon’s printer technology and software, with operational and efficiency tips, followed by a treasure trove of in-depth information on working with photo papers, fine art papers, canvas, films and vinyl.

You’ll find out what makes each inkjet material tick and how to finish, present and apply them. Moreover, expert presenters from Canon and LexJet will guide you through the most profitable, unique and saleable applications you can accomplish in your market.

For instance, you’ll learn all about canvas from start to finish: how the inkjet coating, material composition and finish impact the printed image, followed by guidelines on coating and stretching canvas, and the most profitable applications.

When you attend the workshops you’ll also receive a $50 gift certificate from LexJet, inkjet media swatchbooks, special printer and inkjet media promotions, printed samples and other giveaways. A continental breakfast and lunch will also be provided.

To sign up for either Irvine, Calif. (Aug. 13) or Irving, Texas (Aug. 20), and if you have any questions, contact a LexJet customer specialist at 800-453-9538. Space is limited, so call to get your seat today, and before registration closes on Aug. 9 for Irvine and Aug. 16 for Irving.

Posted on by Regan Dickinson Posted in News & Trends, Technology & Products
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The Professional’s Choice: LexJet Sunset Inkjet Products Win Hot One Awards

Professional Photographer Magazine Hot One AwardA panel of judges made up of professional photographers selected LexJet Sunset Production Matte Canvas and Sunset Fibre Rag for 2013 Hot One Awards.

The annual Hot One Awards recognize photography and imaging products the judges consider their top choices and the hottest products of the year in a number of categories, including inkjet printers, inkjet media, cameras, software and more. Winning products will be featured in Professional Photographer’s August 2013 issue and at www.ppmag.com.

“The Hot One Awards help us establish a benchmark for future product development by providing insight into the types of inkjet media photographers, fine art reproduction companies and wide format print shops need for a successful and profitable print workflow,” says Dione Metnick, LexJet product manager. “We continue to work closely with our printer manufacturer partners – Canon, Epson and HP – to bring inkjet media to the market that maximizes their latest technology innovations and ink sets while providing a consistent and reliable product to our customers.”

Sunset Fibre Rag won a Hot One Award in the Fine-art Paper category and Sunset Production Matte Canvas won in the Canvas category, taking two of the five Inkjet Media categories.

LexJet’s previous Hot One Award winners include: Sunset Photo Metallic Paper, Sunset Select Gloss Canvas, LexJet 8 Mil ImagePro Satin, Sunset Photo eSatin Paper, Sunset Fibre Gloss, Sunset Fibre Elite, Sunset Fine Art Satin SUV by Hahnemuhle, LexJet Prime Gloss SUV, Sunset Velvet Rag 315g and Sunset Select Matte Canvas.

Sunset Fibre Rag wins Hot One Award
Jon Scott, owner of JS Graphics Inc., Chicago, has made Sunset Fibre Rag a staple of his fine art printing for its wide color gamut, consistency and flexibility.

Sunset Fibre Rag, introduced in March 2012, was developed based on demand from photographers and fine art reproduction companies looking for the high-end air-dried look and feel on a 100 percent cotton rag base.

“This paper has a great Dmax, the color gamut is pretty amazing and the surface is nice and consistent,” says Jon Scott, owner of JS Graphics Inc., a fine art reproduction company based in Chicago. “It also comes in various sheet and roll sizes, which is great, because it gives us more flexibility in our printing.”

Sunset Production Matte Canvas Wins Hot One Award
Richard Herschberger, owner of Herschberger Galerie, Arthur, Ill., says he gets “more bang for the buck” from Sunset Production Matte Canvas.

Sunset Production Matte Canvas, introduced in December 2012, complements LexJet’s Sunset Canvas line by providing an economical but consistent option for higher production workflows.

“Of course I really like the price of this new canvas from LexJet, but it still provides good color reproduction. It has a little more tooth to show the canvas texture for mass production projects that require that look,” says Richard Herschberger, owner of Herschberger Galerie in Arthur, Ill. “I also like the fact that I can get it in 60-foot rolls so I’m not changing it out as often; you get more bang for the buck that way.”

For more information about the full line of LexJet Sunset photo, fine photo, fine art and canvas products, contact a LexJet customer specialist at 800-453-9538.

Posted on by Regan Dickinson Posted in Case Studies & Profiles
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The Fine Art of Photography on Canvas

Wolf printed on Fredrix canvas from LexJetDavid Micelotta, owner of Through the Eyes of David, a fine art photography studio in Farmingville, N.Y., prints his work almost exclusively on canvas, Fredrix 777VWR Vivid Matte Canvas from LexJet, to be exact.

“At one time I sold framed pieces, but switched to canvas because my customers love canvas. I print them all on 1 1/2″ gallery wraps so the customer doesn’t have to worry about framing the piece and it gives the piece more dimension,” explains Micelotta. “I love the color reproduction and the gamut the Fredrix canvas produces.”

Micelotta travels the art show circuit in New York and neighboring states showcasing his unique take on a variety of subjects. Though he leans toward nature photography, eager art buyers also appreciate his landscapes, cityscapes and nautical photos on canvas.

The key to selling a great photo at art shows, says Micelotta, is the quality of the finished print. Therefore, Micelotta profiles his inkjet materials and calibrates the entire process, from capture to monitor to print.

Fracture Art printed on Fredrix canvas from LexJet“I get the same quality in gamut and detail in both papers and canvas due to the calibration between monitor and printer. After I print the canvas and let it dry, I coat it with a varnish and it tends to saturate the color 10-15 percent more than the fine art paper and gives it more gloss, which I like,” says Micelotta.

Micellota also creates more abstract pieces he calls Fracture Art, a technique he developed using five different graphics software programs.

“It starts with a photo that I bring into the five different programs and then apply formulas I’ve create in each. The outcome is the Fracture Art, and then I adjust those formulas from there to change the look slightly,” he says.

Posted on by Regan Dickinson Posted in Case Studies & Profiles
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Prints that Win: Dennis the Menace

Award Winning Print

Cheri MacCallum, owner of Art by Cheri, Idaho Falls, Idaho, is one of those talented few who have had the honor of winning a LexJet Sunset Award two years in a row.

Unfortunately, we can’t show you MacCallum’s latest winning image; she’s entering it in a national competition and it’s not a good idea to let it leak out to the public. There are affiliated jurors who might see it, who would then have to disqualify themselves from judging.

We had the same issue last year following the PPA Western District competition. The good news is that we can now reveal last year’s winning Sunset Award winner from the PPA Western District: Dennis the Menace.

MacCallum says Dennis the Menace, a portrait photographed in New Orleans, was likely an award winner in the Portrait category for three factors: expression, lighting and painting. MacCallum is a masterful artist in Corel Painter who also paints for other photographers.

“I work on it in Photoshop and re-touch it, take it into Corel Painter and bring it back into Photoshop to prepare it for printing,” says MacCallum. “When I enter print competitions I don’t think about awards, I think about improving myself and pushing the envelope. If the judges think it’s worthy, all the better. Any good photography makes a good competition print as well: posing, lighting, color, composition, subject material… the whole nine yards has to come together.”

MacCallum adds that for competition, the print itself could spell the difference between winning and losing. For this image, MacCallum printed the image on LexJet 8 Mil ImagePro Gloss with her Canon iPF8300 and applied it to art board.

“I called LexJet and told my rep what I was doing and that I didn’t need anything really thick and heavy, or what I normally provide my clients: fine art paper and canvas. Based on that, we came to the conclusion that ImagePro Gloss would be a good fit. Print presentation is definitely one of the elements they look for, and this print material worked well,” adds MacCallum.