The Print Epitomizes the Craft

I haven’t printed photographs in a while. I used to print all my own work on large format professional printers, one of them up to 44” wide. As I’ve slowed down in professional photography, retired, my needs have changed and now I shoot mostly for myself and retired the large printer as well. However, a good friend recently gifted me a beautiful 17” fine art printer and I find myself excited again about photography.

Why? Well, photography is a great hobby, a tough profession, but thoroughly enjoyable either way. However, as I’ve said in the past, the print, the ‘hardcopy’ epitomizes the craft and reveals it as art. I’ve rediscovered why I love photography, and it’s the print. I remember in the ‘old days’, waiting for the image to reveal itself in the developing tray of the darkroom. It was magical, almost a miracle.

Now, it’s coming out of a printer. It’s still the same feeling, although one sweep of the print-head at a time rather than slowing revealing itself, but still presents that anticipation and wonder as it takes form.

Printers have evolved over the years. Originally, photo printers used dye-based inks. They were colourful, but easily faded under direct light. Now, there are numerous professional printers that are pigment based and recent advances peg longevity in hundreds of years. This is one of them and allows me to create prints up to 17” in width.

As I continue to pursue the art and craft of photography, I’m thrilled to be once again following through to the end with the printed piece.

The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride, 2025

It began with a drizzling rain, yet by the time I set out from home, the skies cleared. The roads were slick with moisture, shrouded in thick fog in certain areas, but by the time I reached Innisfil, they had dried out. The temperature hovered around 7°C, making for a chilly ride, but uneventful journeys can often be the best. I arrived early at the meeting point in Newmarket, one of the first riders to show up.

A total of 83 riders had signed up for the Newmarket ride, contributing to an impressive participation of over 125,000 riders worldwide. The route was brief, meandering through Newmarket and its picturesque surroundings. The aim of the ride was to raise awareness rather than cover long distances, and the dapper attire we donned certainly caught the eye. Many passersby waved, honked their horns, and gave gestures of encouragement as we rode by, while media representatives captured the moment to help spread the message.

Overall, riders from 108 countries participated, with Canada featuring 33 cities taking part. Toronto led the pack, boasting 246 registered riders. In Newmarket specifically, we raised just over $18,000 to support the Movember Foundation in its efforts to combat Men’s Prostate Cancer and promote Men’s Mental Health. This marks my second year involved in this noteworthy cause, and over the two years, I have managed to raise a total of $1,903. A heartfelt thank you to all my sponsors—your support has made a significant impact.

The Power of YOU.

People want to buy local, now more than ever!

Whether you’re a sole-proprietorship or a team of professionals, making that personal connection with your audience, your viewers and followers, is more important now than it ever was. I visit many small business websites that show what they do, what they sell, where they are, but very few show WHO they are.

If you own a business, YOU are your business.

People would rather buy from people, rather than businesses. Don't hide behind your logo. Show consumers who they will be dealing with, not just a voice on the other end of the phone. Put a face to that voice, on your website, advertising and social media. And not just yourself. Any member of your team that interacts with a customer, existing or potential, should be featured on your website and social media. Even if it’s only on the phone. Studies have shown, when a person can put a face to the voice, they are more willing to open up, communicate and listen.

Why do you think realtors go to the lengths of posting photos of themselves on their business cards, their websites, for sale signs, social media, and various other marketing platforms? It’s primarily to create a meaningful connection where there may not have been one before. This strategy aims to strike a chord with a potential client, as they have understood and implemented for years!

When you browse through a list of realtors on a website, do you find yourself choosing one with a welcoming portrait, or are you more inclined to select one with a generic blank icon?

Not only does having a personal image help to establish a relationship, but it also serves as a powerful memory trigger that can reinforce that connection and allow it to flourish.

So, why not harness the unique power of YOU to enhance your own business presence?

Visit our portfolio for ideas!