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folios

Today I’m pleased to announce a new product on the webstore –  Limited Edition Folios. Basically a cross between a traditional portfolio and a book, the Folios consist of 10 8.5 x 11 archival prints together with a cover page, a full page introduction with text and photos, and a print list with detailed notes about each image. All 14 pages are enclosed in a die-cut folder that creates the finished package. The advantages of this type of presentation are that though the Folio is meant to experienced as collection of prints that can be can be held in-hand, each print can also be framed  and hung on a wall. Similarly, the Folio can be shared between family and friends in a living room setting and stored on a bookshelf like a book. My first collection is of course, the Hudson Valley!

I’d like to give credit for this ideas to Brooks Jensen of Lenswork, who inspired me to try and create my own Folios of favorite subjects and themes. Brooks has a whole series of black and white Folios which are quite beautiful, as well as being the publisher of the excellent Lenswork magazine , the best of its kind in my opinion. Do yourself a favor and pick up the latest issue at your favorite magazine hang-out (Barnes & Noble for me)!

As many of you know, I consider a print to be the final expression of a photographer’s vision, and I’ve always enjoyed holding prints in my hand. This is an experience that is mostly absent from the general buying public, so I really wanted to select a paper that would bring the prints to “life”. After trying many different choices, and countless side by side comparisons, I selected Canson Edition Etching 310gm weight fine art paper for its absolute luxurious feel and texture. It contains no optical brighteners, has a 100% cotton base, and just feels and looks fantastic.

I sign and date each print on the back, and the Folio is numbered for each edition. These will be limited to a total of 50, and I have several other editions in the works including “Trees“, “Acadia National Park” and “Black and White“. I’ll have these up on the website as soon as the writing and editing is done.

Another motivation for making these Folios is that they are sort of a prelude to my most ambitious project in the works, a coffee table book of the Hudson Valley. I’m still at least six months away from a preview version, but I’ll have more info and updates here as I get closer to finishing.

In the meantime, I’ve gotten great feedback on the Hudson Valley Folio, and look forward to having them available at all of the upcoming art shows. Of course they are available online with free shipping within the US. They make great gifts as well!

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Home > Beyond the Lens > folios

Art Show Season Starts This Weekend

by RR Jr on April 28, 2010

After what seemed like a long winter, my 2010 art show schedule kicks off at the Lyndhurst Art & Crafts Show this weekend. This year I’ll be exhibiting in a double space which will allow me to display some larger canvas prints up to 54″ wide.

I’ll also be showing some new products including Limited Edition Folios – basically 10 hand made prints on really nice fine art paper inside of a custom folder. Each also includes a page of  text with my personal feelings about the collection. I have three collections right now – Hudson Valley, Acadia National Park, and Trees and I’m only making 25 of each collection. Each is comprised of images I feel best represent my passion for each of these locations. (Let’s just say I’ve been very busy during the winter!). I’ll have more details on these folios in an upcoming post.

The first art show of the year is always an adventure for me – getting everything ready, trying new ideas, improving on the presentation, and all of the other details that I think are essential for a successful weekend. But some things never change, and most important is treating every visitor with kindness and respect, and letting them decide for themselves whether the work speaks to them or not.

While I believe in lending a helping hand, I also adhere to the philosophy that I should stay out of the way and let the images do the speaking for me. If it doesn’t grab someone, then great – it’s a genuine experience and I’m grateful for the opportunity either way. Perhaps I lose a few sales with this approach, but it’s the only way I know how to share my work – with honesty and humility.

There’s so much negativity in this world without having to add to the noise – my hope is that for a weekend I can help someone experience something genuine and heartfelt – the beauty of nature and the power it has to shift our reality in positive ways we never imagined.

If you in the area, please stop and for a visit – as they say “mi casa es su casa!

Crafts at Lyndhurst
Friday -Sunday, April 30 – May 2

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