copyright 2012 christine walsh-newton
So, in the last article, I mentioned (!) that I was waiting on a comp print and was pretttttttty nervous about it.
UPS arrived with the print, FINALLY, at 6:30 PM last night. What the heck is up with that? Those dudes work SO late sometimes!
Anyway. The print arrived. Everything in my life stopped for one heartbreath of a second and in slow motion I retrieved the box and carried it to the dining room table, slit the various layers of packing away, one by one and flipped the print over…
SIDEBAR: Every single time I open a comp print, it is upside down, is that some sort of a sign?
… and I hated it.
Wait wait! No, I can’t hate it! Plus, it’s still in the plastic. OK… take that off…
It’s SO DARK!! Deep breath, ya dummy, you know the lab adjusts the density for print competition images. OK, this has to look good under the lights, I must see it under the lights, how can I put it under the lights?? I need lights!!!
Oh.Em.Gee! Now I know why all those crazy print competition people have their own spot set-up!!
Lights, lights….. suddenly the track lights above the kitchen counter catch my eye and I run to get my light meter. Carefully, I meter…. ISO 100…… 1 second….. at f/11.8….. yeah baby, just a smidgen of can light adjustment at we are in business at f/16!!!
Carefully, I place the image under the light….. and … I like it. Oh, man, I like it. I look. And look some more. I’m exceptionally liking how the detail in the blacks are nice and clear. Wow. I like this. I really like it. I know better than to love it, so really liking an image is pretty good.
Big sigh of relief.
Bill, (if I wore a hat, I’d take it off) you are the man, the print maker… dude, you just know your stuff and I am exceptionally happy with my first competition print through you. Hang tight, you’re going to be seeing my work come your way again. And again.
I like your work and I like your style and degree of customer service. Thank you, and as Mr. Wootness would say “You are a gentleman and a thoroughly good egg!”
High Wootness Five to Bill at Buckeye Professional Imaging.
PS – If anyone knows Bill, please make sure you mention this article to him. I’d tell you his last name, but I don’t know it. <<–I know, I need to find that out, huh?
Christine,
You bring a blush to my cheeks and a grin to my face. I am so happy that you had some lights at home and didn't have to wait to see with it good lighting. The separation held up for the subject's hair against the background and the muted stroke that sets the image on the canvas. I can only wish for you to have a set of 'friendly' judges on hand for competition. Even a jaded, hungry or tired judge should have no problem appreciating the visual impact of your image in its printed form.
Best of luck to you for the coming competition! Let me know how it goes.