The Joy of Print

I have always loved a print especially a large version. When my work colleague George was due to retire last week I wanted to do something different so decided on a print. It’s personal and also you can show a bit of yourself within the image which will stay with that person forever. The hard part was deciding on what to give especially since a lot of colleagues had paid towards the gift which stood 26 x 24 inches without frame and mount. The Skint Creative lads Gerwyn, Anthony and Deaks came together to arrange the print side and the framing part of the job, so all I had to do was make sure the print was spot on!

Even though I am a portrait and set photographer it was best decided to make it a landscape and no better one than my favourite place in the UK. The mood at Elgol on the Isle of Skye is something that needs to be felt and I have been there many times and on each a different feeling. I feel at ease and calm there and the quiet surroundings and the mountains opposite make this place put you under a spell and in a trance.

Time was of the essence so it was a case of the quicker the better since we needed a complete turnaround of 3 days start to finish. I transferred the image to Anthony who in turn sent it to print after assuring me it was good to go. Then Deaks who always surprises me with his contacts told me that he once worked at a frame shop in Penarth near Cardiff UK. I asked if he could pull a few strings to get this framed very quickly and indeed he took the print there and it did not disappoint.

We all gathered at “Penarth Framing Services” to see the final piece a day before Georges retirement and that’s where I met up with two great people in Vilis and Bev. They are based in Penarth and have been framing for years with some celebrities getting work done there so I felt in capable hands. After seeing the image finished it was quite emotional to see it big and proud in its proper state.

Ian Vilis & Bev

This is simply a few words of thanks to Vilis and Bev and also the lads who have become a part of me and what I do. It also prompted me to write this blog urging you all to stop cropping and saving for social media and to just store on your hard drive. Do it, make it and yes it costs money but hey you obviously spent money on your gear so why not take it to its end product? Something to see, feel and hold is worth more than likes or clicks on social media. It reminded me of how I started when I looked at my friend Gary Howells work back in 2008 as I started my journey into photography. I remember asking all these questions about how do you? and When did you? I was so curious how this image appeared in all its glory with such detail on wonderful paper. It was then that I really wanted to print and the larger the better. I also really wanted to exhibit and ten years later I finally did but it’s a drug and I want more. I believe unless you are printing you will forever be in second gear and will be deprived the joy that it gives especially if you gift an image to someone special.

Don’t you all know that you have a talent, a gift? Then share it and make a print. Once you’ve done that then mount and frame it and give it to a loved one or friend…… it beats the ass off chocolates or flowers.

Today was the day I was reminded to print more so, I am reminding all of you to do the same.

Update:

A delighted George receiving his print.