Making fine art prints is a creative process that involves selecting from a range of materials, processes and techniques to reveal an image that reflects the ideas, aesthetics and emotions of the photographer. It is a considered, often slow methodical process that brings the best out of the negative to produce "The Print" rather than a rush to produce "a print". Ansel Adams drew the analogy with music, "The negative is the score, the print is the performance". Most often it uses Fibre based papers, archival processing techniques and toning methods to give the image a greater permanence. 

Selection of Materials

Types of Paper: Resin coated / Fibre Based
 

RC Paper: Most students are introduced to photographic printing through RC (resin coated paper). Often one of the reasons for this is that the paper is quick to process and needs much less time in each of the processing solutions. The paper is actually coated with a layer of polyethylene that acts as a barrier and prevents the chemicals from penetrating into the fibres of the paper.  The diagram illustrates the various layers of this type of paper. Because of the plastic nature of the paper it dries quickly and easily, without wrinkling and is robust when handled.

Diagram Courtesy of AGFA

However, this type of paper is not considered optimum for making Fine art prints on and along with more extended processing and washing times, fibre based paper is used.

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