Signatures
Just curious.. who signs their printed photographs, who doesn't, and why or why not?
I myself have been printing on canvas and love it, but would like to sign them and am unsure what sort of implement to use. Thoughts?
I myself have been printing on canvas and love it, but would like to sign them and am unsure what sort of implement to use. Thoughts?
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Edgar Angelone on
-
Hi Agnieska:
I sign my prints on the front, as well as wright the edition number. I believe this is the traditional way for most photographers that print in limited editions. It is mainly to prove that the print was made by you, and increases the collectors value. I am talking mainly about traditional prints such as gelatin silver or platinum prints. When I am not using an original handcrafted print, I may not sign the print or I may only initial the print. I believe this is the way that Ansel Adams used to distinguish between original prints and reproduction. I do this with inkjet prints. However, just keep in mine this is my way of doing things no necessarily the right way. It works for me. Thanks
EA
-
Permalink Reply by Tyrone on -
Currently, I use a Faber-Castell artist pen and sign the bordered area on the front of the print in the white border just below the mat surface. I may also sign the rear of the mat in pencil along w/ the print edition No.#. I never used any material that is not archival on or near the print. If the print needs to be rematted in the future the info is found in the 1 to 2" boarder that I leave around the printing area.
More of my work can be seen at www.redbubble.com/people/matsumoto
-
Permalink Reply by Matt Needham on -
I discretely sign and date prints sold as fine art with an archival black or gray marker. I used to sign the back, but these days I've been doing it in the border (1"-3" white border on any print 8"x12" or bigger). This way it can be displayed or not depending on how the mat is cut. My personal preference is to not see it. That's how most of the great, pre-1970s photographs are displayed in art museums. I'm not trying to say I'm in that league, but I like the look. I've found that for many people who purchase art displaying the signature is important, so I try to provide both options. A few of my customers have questioned my preference to not show the sig; they say "Doesn't it show that you're proud of the work to sign it?" My thoughts are I'm so proud of the work that I don't want to wreck it by scribbling on it. ;)
In general I do not like bold signatures on the photo itself, but occasionally I've seen examples I like. I like the way Edward Steichen signed his early portraits. Example here http://www.elysee.ch/index.php?id=143&L=1&tx_exposition_pi1... I also love the way this guy does it, and if I thought I could get away with it I'd totally rip him off! ;) Bradford Fuller on Strobist.com
-
Permalink Reply by Johnny Hulgan on
-
On my small matted prints I sign the mat. Larger prints 11x14 and up, I sign the print with a gold pen.
-
Permalink Reply by nathan mccreery on -
Again, I am the traditionalist, along with at least one other. I sign the mat only on the face and on verso (back) using a #4 lead pencil. I believe that the sig should be large enough to be seen and not so large that it is intrusive. I don't sell un-mounted photographs except in the 40x50 size, in which case I sign on the face of the image with an archival ink. I only place my signature and the year the photograph was exposed on the mat face.
I have labels that I print out on my computer that is attached to the back, again using an archival adhesive that contains my name, title of the image, edition # if relevant (I don't do limited editions but only open editions) date the photograph was made and my personal signature.
-
Permalink Reply by Matt Needham on
-
In the last year I've started adding the exposure date, printing date, my website, and title near the outside edge of the 1"-3" white border using photoshop. I usually use the color picker to choose a color from the photo that can be read, but doesn't stand out too much. Then I sign my signature next to the printing date using an archival ink pen. I expect all of this to be covered by the matting, and if selling an unmatted print I explain that to the customer.
-
Permalink Reply by Katie Vanderhaeghe on -
I do not usually sign my prints on the front, but I always do include a non-removable sticker (I use the ones that you have to get a little wet before its sticky, since I found you can`t peel them off afterwards), which includes my name, website, year the photo is from, and if it was a title or part of a series. I have been considering including a small signature though on the front.. I just haven`t decided yet if I like the aesthetic.
Recommended:
Latest Activity
Free Photography Tips
We offer free daily photography tips for all experience levels. Click Here to Subscribe Now!.
© 2012 Created by PictureSocial.com.
