Abstract (4x5", 1998)

Lars does sell prints from some of the photographs on display here. As he is currently traveling, his ability to deliver prints is somewhat limited. Please contact him by email to discuss any requests.

printmaking

As the top priority is to produce the highest possible print quality, Lars does embrace any and all methods and processes for making photographic prints.

on the current evolution of printmaking processes

A few words from Lars on color printmaking:

While for many years Cibachrome/Ilfochrome arguably has been one of the most appreciated color printing processes in terms of results, recent developments in digital printmaking is changing the scene. Especially for large size prints - over 60 cm - the resolution offered by top-quality scanners and printers simply cannot be matched by an enlarging lens.

The reason is simple: in the scanning process, a very small part of the image is captured at a time. A flatbed scanner captures a strip one pixel wide for each step, and a drum scanner captures one pixel at a time. This is a method that scales well - make a smaller sensor for higher resolution, make a larger original (larger film size) for higher resolution. An enlarger, on the other hand, has one lens that has to have enough resolution for the entire image, regardless of print size. To increase resolution a finer optical lens has to be made, and at some point optical limitations such as chromatic aberration and diffraction limit the resolution.

Furthermore, digital printmaking offers the advantages of superior color fidelity, better repeatability, less hazardous chemicals to handle, and less toxic fumes to inhale. Simply put, the process is more efficient.

There are a few different processes evolving with the arrival of digital technology:

• Inkjet, or giclee printing: ink in different colors is sprayed on paper. While there have been some question marks regarding longevity and light stability of inkjet prints, the current state-of-the-art inks and papers offer longevity that promises much for the future.
• Lightjet, Lambda, and similar: Using lasers, a machine draws the image on regular photo paper which is then developed and fixed just like a wet print. Obviously the advantage here is that longevity and light stability for the photographic paper in use is well known. A disadvantage of this process is that it requires an extremely expensive printing machine, often limited in print size.
• Digital contact prints: This is a relatively new and emerging process, so far mostly tested with black-and-white prints but technically possible with color as well. A digital negative is created by printing a negative image on clear film, for example using an inkjet printer. This negative is then used to make a contact print on regular photo paper which is then processed in a wet process in a regular manner. While this process has only been around for a few years, it promises much for the future. Any traditional wet process, like platinum printing, can be used. It is technically possible to make contact prints of virtually any size, allowing for very large contact prints.

From a printmaking perspective, the next few years will be quite interesting.