About the Prints.


A professional approach. I capture the majority of my images, regardless of setting or location in the same manner as I shoot my commercial studio work. I will spend hours shooting several images using different lenses, angles and approaches. However, unlike a studio setting where I control the lighting, with the outdoors I am subject to the lighting that is available, and will often revisit a location at various times of the day, and at different seasons. Capturing what I think is the best image possible.

I shoot digital images in RAW format (the digital equivalent of a film positive). Unlike jpegs which have already been processed internally by the camera's set algorithms, having RAW sensor data allows me to control that process. I typically shoot three exposures of any given scene, and will either chose the exposure that gives me the best result, or blend different exposures to achieve a final result. (Shadows are opened up, and highlights are knocked down to reveal hidden detail). More on my editing.

I still shoot film and develop the negatives at a local vendor whom I trust, and then scan them as RAW digitals. Film has the ability to provide higher dynamic range over digital, which gives me the option to cover scenes that require it. Of course as technology advances that difference is closing. Even so, it's something I still enjoy, (and yes it has something to do with liking the toys).

Printing. While I have spent the last seven years printing on Epson wide format papers and Ink in a production environment, I was a bit skeptical about using an online printing service for myself and clients. Naturally, I wanted to clear out a corner in my office to plant a new 9890. But, at the tune of $5000, I decided to see if the online solution would work, (and buy a few new lenses instead).

The service I use is MPIX, a division of Miller's Professional Imaging, a print shop located in Pittsburgh, which have been in the business of printing since the late 1939. Obviously, a dedicated and knowledgeable group of professionals.

Still, there's proof in the pudding, and while sample prints looked awesome. It's always taken with a grain of salt because the sample prints for the photographer should be correct.  Right?  What about my clients? Would they get the same meticulous attention to detail and quality as I did? Without hesitation I can say yes!


Dan Pluta of Carpe Nota, so liked his cover shot that he ordered a 30" canvas, and his 'mug' on a mug (we sell those too).

I've had friends pay me a visit to sign their prints, and they are outstanding. From the quality of the papers, to the packaging, as if I handled the job personally. As a result, I found little reason to purchase and maintain my own printer and simply use the service for all my own printing needs.

-Pete		 "I ordered a bunch of 3x5 prints, 2 framed 12x12 prints and a large 'canvas wrap' suitable for immediate hanging. The quality was excellent for all items. The large canvas wrap and framed photos were especially nice...very high quality. They also were packaged extremely well to prevent any damage in shipping. I also ordered some promo items - mugs and mousepads. Great! Very happy customer!"

-Dan Pluta

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I purchased "Fire And Ice" (#015098) from the Winter Collection. It was done with foam core, matted in black with a mahogany frame. The contrasting elements of nature, the glowing sun and the translucent ice, blend beautifully together. Your photos are first class!

-Alison Mellinger