articles/Printing/charming-page4
by Mike McNamee Published 01/10/2013
Hahnemuhle
Having been producing fine art inkjet papers for over 15 years, photographers' favourite Hahnemuhle offers a portfolio of Digital FineArt inkjet papers, in addition to its new photographic range, 'Hahnemuhle Photo'. So what's the appeal of each, and the differences to take account of?
For starters the Digital FineArt collection is divided into three product lines: Glossy, Matt (smooth and textured) and Canvas.
The Glossy FineArt papers are made of 100% cotton or pure alpha cellulose and are provided with a premium inkjet coating. The range extends from subtle gloss (satin) through mid lustre (pearl) to high gloss (baryta), with thicknesses between 285gsm and 350gsm.
The Matt FineArt papers have an identical base structure with a matt premium inkjet coating. The matt portfolio extends from 100gsm rice paper, through 308gsm Photo Rag 'Deckle Edge', to 350gsm Museum Etching Deckle Edge.
The classic Photo Rag 308 is flagged up by the brand as the best paper in Hahnemuhle's Smooth FineArt range. Our very own Mike McNamee has even previously singled the paper out as the gold standard that others strive to achieve. Many wedding and portrait photographers like the smooth matt paper too, as it gives that definitive wow factor to prints that could otherwise look flat and uninspiring on alternative papers.
The Canvas assortment of FineArt papers meanwhile is constructed from cotton or poly cotton, and extends from Canvas Artist at 340gms through the artistically named Leonardo Canvas at 390gsm to Monet Canvas at 410gsm. Hahnemuhle also markets a protective spray.
Interestingly, General Manager Simon Waller tells us that his team have noticed, from attending many an SWPP Trade Show that the matt smooth and the pearl/lustre papers are the most popular. There are two 'hero' products in the pearl/lustre range. Fine Art Pearl is by far the most popular as it produces images in both colour and black and white with "such depth and clarity that you can almost feel the image coming to life", according to Simon. From the new Hahnemuhle Photo Range, which debuted at Focus in March, the Lustre 260gsm has proved to be very popular.
But don't just take the brand's word for it. Music and portrait photographer Andy Fallon tells us: "Hahnemuhle is my paper of choice for exhibition prints. The Photo Rag Pearl brings out the punchy vibrant colours in my work whilst offering a superb tonal range for my black and white prints.
Its reputation as a high-quality archival paper allows me to sell my images with confidence."
www.hahnemuehle.com
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SWPP - Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers
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