About

About

About the Process::

Some photos are either taken with various black & white 35 mm films (Acros Neopan 100, Tri X 400, Portra BW 400 & T400CN) as well as 35 mm color transparencies( Velvia 50 & Provia 100) or start digitally using the Leica M8 & M9 rangefinders, Nikon D3x, D3, D2x camera set, the Kodak DCS 14nx and Nikon D1x (D1x modified for infrared capture( by Lifepixel). RAW images acquired by the D2x,D1x and 14nx are opened in Nikon Capture , & Nikon Capture NX2 software(D3x,D3,D2x,D1x),PhotoDesk(14nx) Capture 1 (Leica DNG)and Adobe Camera Raw (all cameras);Adobe Photoshop CS4)for evaluation and control after which they are processed in Photoshop CS4 . Film is scanned using the Nikon SuperCoolscan 4000 and Nikon Scan 4 software for digitization and subsequent processing in Photoshop.

About the Printing:

Black and white printing is done using both matte & photo Ultrachrome HDR inks by Epson on the Epson 7900 printer, utilizing Ergosoft's StudioPrint & Color GPS R.I.P. software.

Color pigment printing is done using Ultrachrome HDR Epson pigmented inks on a wide format Epson 7900 printer using both Epson drivers as well as StudioPrint R.I.P. Color profiling of papers is done using the Color GPS software by Ergosoft, Monaco Proof by X-Rite and Eye One Match by Gretag Macbeth.

Both color and black & white images are printed on various matte finish fine art papers & photo papers from EPSON ( Canvas, Premier Art Canvas, Smooth Fine Art, Ultrasmooth Fine Art, Textured Fine Art,Watercolor & Exhibition Fiber Paper) ,as well as non-Epson manufacturers such as HAHNMUHLE (Photo Rag, William Turner, German Etching & Fine Art Baryta) ,LEGION (Somerset Velvet) , MOAB (Entrada Fine Art Natural & Bright White, Anasazi Canvas), CRANE (Museo Portfolio Rag ) ,BERGGER (PN 32 & PN 33 ) and ILFORD (Gold Fibre Silk). Availability of the various papers affects current production & is subject to change.

Both processes allow for true long term protection against fading as opposed to typical 100 % dye based print methods. Information on this subject can be found at these sites: http://www.wilhelm-research.com/ http://www.inkjetmall.com/store/info/1000-hours.html.

About the finish:

Once photographs are printed and after appropriate dry time, the prints can be lacquered and textured to increase their color (black & white as well) depth. This process allows for display not requiring a protective glass (although still possible) and allows the prints to truly reveal their fine detail and rich look. All prints are accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity listing the name of the print, print size, print process, paper type & weight .

About the artist :

Francisco James Mares Photography currently shows at Patrician Design Studio and at Arteriors in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Also can be seen in the Collector's Guide for Central & Northern New Mexico