Photography by Greig Clifford

A featured selection of printed images from my archive, to buy as signed limited edition archival quality prints. They are also available for bespoke commissions, too.

I have chosen this current selection for its wide thematic range, with images from the abstract to the documentorial, each one rich in narrative or metaphor to create a point of interest within any collection.

Click an image for specific details but further general information, including example views of actual prints, and close-ups of the paper types can be seen here.

About the prints.

Prints currently exist in a number of different formats which can be categorised as:

Poster prints
Exhibition prints
Bespoke prints
Archival prints (applies to all images listed in the Print Archive).

Poster prints are very affordable high quality prints on coated paper which look great framed behind glass. However, they are not archival, but this is reflected in the price. Any ordered directly from myself can be signed if requested.

Exhibition prints are usually one-off prints made specifically for exhibiting purposes, and are not always signed. Although print quality must be suitably high, these prints are not necessarily made using archival paper.

Bespoke prints are made to the specific requirements of the buyer.

Archival prints are exhibition quality and created to last a lifetime and longer. They are strictly limited in number and all are signed and numbered.

Archival prints are made in a range of sizes:

Gallery size.
The 'gallery' size prints are the largest of the four print sizes, professionally printed on acid free Hahnemuhle Photo Rag paper for the best quality and archive life. This is the image's 'master print' and as such usually only one of these signed prints will be made.

Original size.
The 'original' prints are printed on the same paper type as the 'gallery' prints, sharing the longest archive life. They are smaller than a one-off gallery print, and no more than three of these will be made. For those images where a 'gallery' print is not listed, this original size print should be regarded as a master print.

Standard size.
The 'standard' prints are printed on the same paper type as the 'original' and 'gallery' prints, sharing the longest archive life. They are smaller than an original print, and no more than five of these will be made. For those images where an 'original' print is not listed, this standard size print should be regarded as a master print.

Image of a signed print (13.5" x 9"), and also shown displayed in a frame.

Collection size.
The collection prints are 'C-Type' prints and more affordably priced. They are the smallest size and more numerous in their availablity... although usually no more than 10 of these signed prints will be created.

Image of a signed print (7.5" x 5"), and also shown displayed in a frame.

All archival quality prints are sold unmounted and unframed. A Certificate of Authenticity is included, which can be checked with a filed copy if requested.

Gallery, Original, Standard and Collection prints are professionally printed by a Hahnemuhle certified studio to exhibition standard on quality archival paper, using either a C-Type or Giclee process, which are then personally inspected (occasionally spotted), numbered and signed using pigment ink to match the longevity of the printed image.

Info about the archival papers, printing processes, and life expectancy.

The prints are made using one of two printing processes... either C-Type or Giclee depending on which paper is used for the print.

The more limited availability larger sized prints are printed using the giclee process - a sophisticated ink jet print onto acid free Hahnemuhle Photo Rag paper. These prints have an archive life (before first sign of any fading) into the hundreds of years in storage - half that if displayed. This is my preferred printing method, as the paper is heavier and has no reflective qualities, the blacks are deep and the paper base tone has a warmer look. I also think the paper's texture compliments the natural grain of my film images and adds a random beauty to my digital photographs.

Close view of the paper used for Giclee prints. Close view to show the texture of the Hahnemuhle Photo Rag paper used for giclee prints.

For a more typical photographic look, the smaller 'collection size' prints are printed using the C-Type (chromogenic) process. This is akin to the traditional photographic methods in that it uses light sensitive paper which the image is projected onto, the paper is then developed and washed. The paper used is Fujifilm Crystal Archive. These prints are not thought to have so long an archive life as the giclee prints but should still last a lifetime and more before first signs of fading, if properly cared for.

Close view of the paper used for c-type prints.
Close view to show the texture of the Fujifilm Crystal Archive paper used for c-type prints.

Both print types are standard processes which can be seen in the best museums and galleries the world over. Despite the lower archive life expectancy many of the world's most expensive selling photographs at auction were chromogenic prints.