GETTING STARTED – PRINTS FOR HPS COMPETITIONS
Why is printing such a challenge?
Getting the colours right depends upon so many factors. Even if you have calibrated your screen, the printed colours will depend upon the paper, inks, the printer, the colour of the surrounding mountboard and the lighting in the room!
Then there is the question of mount size and type of mount. Although the recommended mount size is 40cm by 50cm, any image of 7” by 5” or above is accepted in HPS competitions. The traditional mount is a window mount, but surface mounting with or without a mountboard border is ok.
Finally, doing a large number of prints can be expensive if you do not have your own A3 printer and a mountboard cutter. Surface mounting an 8” by 10” purchased print onto a 30cm by 40cm board is a cost-effective start!
Your major strategy decisions?
Do you want to be self-sufficient and buy an A3 printer and mountboard cutter or do you want to keep it simple and buy your prints locally or over the Internet?
Are you only entering HPS competitions or are you planning to enter external ones such as the annual print competition run by the YPU? (External competitions will need 40cm by 50cm mounts.)
Monday Help Desk
Until the end of December, there will be a Help Desk, and display of mounted prints, on Monday evenings – to help you get started and find the best solutions. See you there?
Ralph Woodhead
