Elevating My Art: Introducing Handcrafted Gallery Prints
Over the years I’ve offered lab-made prints that look great, but I always felt there was something missing by not making my own. That’s why I’ve decided to take the process into my own hands and create prints directly in my home studio. My new handcrafted prints are more than just artwork; they’ve been created from start to finish as reflection of my dedication to quality and the beauty of nature.
Why I Decided to Make My Own Prints
In a market filled with mass-produced “fine art,” I wanted to offer something unique and personal. While lab-made prints are convenient, I felt that the connection between the image and the final piece of art was missing. By bringing the printing process in-house, I can take complete control over the quality and presentation of my work. This allows me to ensure that every print reflects the emotion, color, and detail I envisioned when I captured the image.
Printing my own work also enables me to experiment with different materials and techniques, tailoring the output to each image. Some landscapes call for a softer, more textured look, while others benefit from deeper contrasts and sharper details. By selecting the ideal paper and managing the printing process myself, I can bring out the best in every photograph. Moreover, this hands-on approach allows me to add a personal touch, like signing and numbering each print.
Another key reason for this shift is my desire to offer something truly exclusive. Mass-produced prints often lack individuality, and by crafting each piece myself, I can ensure that my patrons receive a print that is not only beautiful but also unique—a reflection of the journey each image took from creating it in the field to editing and printing in my studio.
The Materials and Process
To deliver the highest quality prints, I use carefully selected materials and the best current printing technology:
Palo Duro SoftGloss Rag 315 Photo Paper: This museum-grade paper is made from 100% cotton fiber, offering a luxurious feel and unmatched archival durability. With its lightly textured, semi-gloss surface, this paper provides the perfect balance of depth and vibrancy, making it ideal for landscape and nature photography. The neutral white tone ensures that colors stay true to life, preserving the subtle details and tones I strive to capture in my work. Additionally, the paper is acid-free, lignin-free, and meets ISO 9706 standards for long-term conservation. It is OBA-free, which helps maintain color stability over time, and features a unique barrier coat that keeps ink on the surface, delivering rich blacks and exceptional tonal range. For more details on this remarkable paper, visit Red River Paper’s Palo Duro SoftGloss Rag page.
Epson SureColor P900 Printer: One of the best home-studio printers available, the Epson SureColor P900 is a 17-inch professional-grade printer that utilizes UltraChrome Pro pigment inks. These inks are designed for superior color accuracy, offering an extended color gamut that faithfully reproduces the vivid landscapes and subtle tones in my photography. The printer features a carbon black driver for enhanced contrast and deep, rich blacks—essential for creating striking night sky images and dramatic scenes. With its advanced media handling, the P900 ensures precise alignment and flawless prints on every sheet. According to Wilhelm Imaging Research, prints made with this system have an archival lifespan of up to 200 years under proper conditions. Learn more about this exceptional printer on the Epson SureColor P900 page.
This combination of premium paper and cutting-edge printing technology allows me to produce gallery-quality prints that meet my high standards of quality and longevity.
My Epson P900 printer in action producing a Colorado fall image of Kebler Pass for an order.
Limited-Edition Art
To make each piece truly special, my handcrafted prints are part of a limited edition series. Each print is:
Hand-signed and numbered
Limited to 50 editions for my self-made prints
I’ve spent nearly 20 years building a database of images, documenting landscapes and moments that resonate deeply with me. With such an extensive collection, I understand the importance of making each image feel special and exclusive. Limiting each print to a series of 50 ensures that the art retains its value and uniqueness for my collectors.
If an image sells out and I don’t have something similar in my collection, it becomes the perfect excuse to embark on a new adventure. I love the idea of heading out into the field to create something fresh and unique, inspired by the demand for my work. This approach not only keeps my portfolio evolving but also allows me to maintain a deep connection to the landscapes I photograph.
Available Sizes and Framing Options
My prints come in three sizes to fit a variety of spaces:
8” x 12” (on 9” x 13” paper)
Suggested Frame Size: 12” x 16” with 2” matting
12” x 18” (on 13” x 19” paper)
Suggested Frame Size: 16” x 22” with 2” matting
16” x 24” (on 17” x 25” paper)
Suggested Frame Size: 20” x 28” with 2” matting
Each print includes a 1/2” border, making it easy to fit under mats without losing any part of the image. Suggested matting provides a clean, professional look, but you can customize the frame and mat size to fit your space. If you’re looking for a couple affordable frame options I recommend these two from ArtToFrames: https://amzn.to/4ho4hIv or https://amzn.to/3DXKAZI. If you’d like a more premium and custom frame I recommend FrameDestination.com
The Ordering Process
To simplify the process and offer flexibility, I’ve created a single product listing on my store for these prints. When placing an order, simply include the following details:
The image(s) you’d like to order
Where you found the image (Instagram, website, Facebook, etc.)
Once I receive your order, I’ll personally confirm the details before printing to ensure everything is perfect. This approach allows me to keep the process personal while ensuring you get exactly what you’re looking for and addressing any potential print selections before processing.
Shipping and Sustainability
Every print is carefully packaged to arrive in pristine condition. I use lay-flat mailers whenever possible and recycled packing materials to reduce environmental impact. For some prints and destinations I use rolled mailers, and prints can be easily flattened for framing using a microfiber cloth and light pressure with books.
Looking for Larger Prints?
If you’re looking for something bigger or different, I still offer custom metal and acrylic mounted prints produced with my art lab, Fine Art New Mexico. These pieces can be created in sizes up to 60” or more, depending on the image. This option is perfect for creating a statement piece or filling up a large space in your home or office. Please use the contact me option on my website to request more info.
The Heart Behind My Prints
When you purchase one of my handcrafted prints, you’re not just buying a picture—you’re supporting my work and displaying a piece of art that reflects the care and attention I put into capturing, editing, and producing each image. From the feel of the paper to the longevity of the inks, every detail has been chosen to provide you with an unparalleled photographic experience.
Explore my new prints today and bring the beauty of nature into your home!