PRINTING
Traditional silver-halide colour paper is exposed using LED lights and chemically processed. The result is beautiful colour and the most cost effective way to print your images.
These prints are available up to 50″ wide in matte, glossy and digital pearl metallic finishes.
Inkjet photo prints offer stunningly vivid colours that can make your images pop!
Available in print sizes up to 60″ wide:
- Photo Lustre
- Photo Matte (for a true flat matte finish), up to 60″
- Photo Glossy
- Metallic Pearl (reminiscent of traditional photo metallic papers)
Backlit prints literally make your images glow! This translucent material is backlit with LED lights in a thin sleek lightbox.
Square, rectangular and even circular lightboxes are available up to 60″.
We offer a variety of fine art papers to elevate your art.
We print on Hahnemühle Fine Art Paper using archival pigment-based inks up to 44″ wide – and a select few up to 60″ wide.
- Ultra Smooth, up to 60″ wide
- Baryta, up to 60″ wide
- German Etching, up to 44″ wide
Fine Art Prints can last up to 200 years depending on the substrate and ink set used.
We use a cotton/polyester blend inkjet canvas, featuring an acid-free base with a matte finish with long term fade and water resistance with pigment inks.
Finishing the canvas print with a matte or luster laminate is recommended to ensure that your piece is protected and archival. We can print canvas prints up to 60″ wide – please keep in mind the extra room needed for printing borders to stretch onto a canvas stretcher, other wise your image will be wrapped around the sides.
We can stretch and frame your provided canvases too!
This is a cost efficient vinyl for indoor use. The matte surface is ideal for minimizing glare that frequently occurs with indoor lighting. It is meant for temporary display for up to a few months.
We offer sizes up to 52″ wide. Anything larger will need to be printed in sections and seamed.
LARGE FORMAT PRINTS, SELF SERVE PRICING
A cost-efficient way for the digital savvy customer to take advantage of lab automation.
**Files are printed as-is, with no colour corrections, and must be set up as per instructions to qualify for bulk rate.**
Matte and Glossy surfaces only.
Watch our instructional video or download the Bulk Print Guide on how to set up a bulk file.
MOUNTING AND LAMINATING
Acrylic is used for both facemounting and backmounting in sizes up to 60” x 120” with 3mm and 6mm thicknesses available.
It is a safer alternative at half the weight of glass, resistant to impact, and easier to handle. The alternative method to facemounting is laminating.
Non-glare acrylic is perfect for facemounting without glare or reflections.
Aluminum Composite Panels are flat, rigid and durable, consisting of two sheets of aluminum bonded to a solid polyethylene core. It is acid-free and a lightweight alternative to aluminum giving the same sleek look.
Available in sizes up to 60” x 120″.
The subframe is attached to the back of the mounted work.
It helps to support the mounted piece and provides a way to hang it on a wall. They are resistant to warping, very stable and suited for large and heavy oversized works.
Facemount your image to plexi and “float” if off the wall using standoffs for a clean and sleek presentation.
Want to make your art into a special shape? Thinking of a circle or have other ideas? Let us know and we will make it happen.
Archival card is a 4-ply cotton rag board that is lightweight, easy to handle and great for framing. It is economical and great for short-term displays. Please note that it is not buffered with calcium carbonate reserve.
Available in sizes up to 48” x 96”.
Foamcore is an economical, acid-free backing material available in sizes up to 40” x 60”.
It is lightweight, available in natural white, and perfect for framing. Our foamcore is different because it is acid-free – even in the foam itself – and will prevent acid burns for a lifetime.
Perfect if you are on a budget! Mounted on pressboard and encased in a laminate, this is a great solution for mounting posters and non-archival art.
Different colours and finishes available.
A thin resin-like film is used for protecting a photograph from dust, moisture, degradation and discoloration.
It is an alternative to facemounting for those who are looking for an economical option or a different finish.
Laminates are available in Matte (up to 60″), Semi-Matte (up to 50″), Lustre (up to 50″), and High Gloss (up to 48″).
SCANNING AND REPRODUCTION
Roll Scans are low cost, automated scans that are best for 35mm and 120 film formats in uncut rolls.
They are recommended for web use or archiving purposes, as well as proof printing up to 8×12″.
These JPEG scans (TIFF available upon request) are available in two sizes:
4Base 1024 x 1038px @ 72 dpi (from 35mm). Suitable for sharing online or printing up to 4×6″.
16Base 4181 x 6304px @ 72 dpi (from 35mm). Suitable for sharing online or printing up to 12×18″.
Frame Scans are low cost, automated scans for individual frames in 35mm and 120 film formats. This service is also recommended for archiving your slides!
Slide mounts must be cardboard or plastic and in good condition or they will have to be removed from their mounts.
These files are recommended for web use or archiving purposes, as well as proof printing up to 8×12″.
These JPEG scans (TIFF available upon request) are available in two sizes:
4Base 1024 x 1038px @ 72 dpi (minimum). Suitable for sharing online or printing up to 4×6″.
16Base 4181 x 6304px @ 72 dpi (minimum). Suitable for sharing online or printing up to 12×18″.
All custom scans include a colour corrected and dust-free file that can be burned to a CD or uploaded to your FTP (sign up here).
Drum Scans offer true optical resolution from transparencies and negatives up to 8.5 x 11 film format. Recommended for creating larger print sizes over 40×50″ or if you require film rebate in your scans.
Max scan size is 500+MB.
Imacon Scans from 35mm, 120, and 4×5 film can rival the quality of drum at lower resolutions.
Max scan size is 200MB.
Flatbed Scans optically scan images or printed materials up to 11 3/4×17″ on a flat surface. Anything larger than this size will require a digital or film capture shot in our studio.
Max scan size is 500MB.
DIGITAL REPRODUCTIONS OF YOUR ORIGINAL WORKS.
Original artwork larger than 11×16″ can be digitally photographed at 40MP in our studio for archiving or reproduction purposes. The capture includes a colour corrected file that can be burned to a CD or uploaded to an FTP account (sign up for free).
If you are interested in proceeding with a reproduction, we will match a test print to your original artwork under daylight balanced lighting to ensure all editions are colour matched to the original work. Call or email for a quote.
RETOUCHING
1:1 CONSULTATIONS
We offer 1:1 consultations with our experienced technicians to review the aesthetics and parameters of your work from concept to completion. Our digital imaging experts offer expertise, experience, and the tools in helping you to control every aspect of your images.
Consultations range in price from $100-125/hour. Call or email our customer service reps to set up an appointment that works with your schedule: customercare@torontoimageworks.com
IMAGE CORRECTION
Retouching involves manipulating images to achieve the best possible output for digital and print work.
It can be for something as simple as a piece of dust to something as complicated as compositing or stitching multiple photographs together. Our digital experts specialize in many areas of retouching such as editorial, advertising, manipulation, and many more. We also offer photo restoration for old photographs that are damaged or have faded.
HEADSHOTS
We offer standard templates for your headshots that include photos, logos and/or text together. Stop by and see our sample book of layouts and paper type. Fonts and layouts can be customized when requested.
Headshot set up includes a copy of the file so that you can reprint them anytime you want! We also have headshot print packages for a reduced price for multiples of 25, 50, and 100. One test print will be provided for approval before packages are full printed.
SHIPPING AND INSTALLATION
DELIVERY
Final cost of shipping will be calculated when the order is ready to ship. Estimates can be given, however they are subject to change with the final package dimensions and weight.
We use a variety of reputable shipping companies and local couriers to help you get your work to your destination with a range of turnaround services and economical pricing.
Shipments may take anywhere from 1 day to 10 days depending on destination and desired cost. Once shipped a tracking number will be provided (should the chosen service supply one).
Contact us for estimates on deliveries to arts fairs in Toronto and New York as well.
PACKAGING AND CRATING
We take great care to ensure that your artwork is well packaged for safe travel locally, nationally, and internationally by using a variety of durable packing materials.
For mounted and framed works custom crates are recommended as they are the best way to guarantee the safety of the work(s) in transit.
Crate construction can range in price based on quantity and dimension. Initial estimates can be given at the time of order, however prices may change based on final job requirements.
INSTALLATION
Toronto Image Works also organizes professional art delivery and installation services to residential, corporate, and commercial clients in and around Toronto and southwestern Ontario.
Contact us for further information and we’ll take care of everything!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How should I prepare my files?
A: We employ a colour managed workflow. It is recommended that if you work on a hardware calibrated monitor and use the appropriate profiles to soft proof your image. Due to slight differences in displays, we recommend having a test print made from your file before proceeding to a final print. Files should be prepared as RGB JPEGs or TIFFs, at size, with a resolution no greater than 300 dpi.
Q: How do I get my files to you?
A: You can drop by in person with a USB, CD/DVD, or external hard drive. You may also send us files online via FTP or Photocentral. If you do not have your personal FTP account and would like to register for one with Toronto Image Works, you can sign up for using the FTP Account request form and upload your files to the FTP Server once you have received your username and password. We do not accept email submissions.
Q: What is soft proofing?
A: Soft proofing allows you to accurately predict how your image will print on our printer on the paper you select. We have profiles for the Chromira available for download below. There is a ‘Readme’ file with general usage instructions included in each profile’s zip archive.
TIW Chromira Glossy | TIW Chromira Matte
(Zip files can be unpacked by WinZip, Windows XP, and Stuffit expander for MAC.)
Q: How do I set up a bulk file?
A: Watch our video tutorial or download the Bulk Print Guide to learn how to set up your files for bulk printing.
Q: How big can I print?
A: The size of your print is limited only by the size of your file, and the maximum available size of your chosen paper. The best way to determine how big you can print is to open up your file in Photoshop, go to Image -> Image Size and see what your document size is at 300 dpi. You can bring down your resolution to print larger, depending on many factors such as the image and the substrate you are printing on. Under extenuating circumstances, we have achieved acceptable results with files as low as 72 dpi.
Q: What is the difference between digital photo and fine art inkjet prints?
A: A digital photo print, also known as a chromogenic print (or c-print), is made through traditional lab processes using chemistry. Inkjet prints are made using pigment-based inks. There is a larger variety of paper surfaces to choose from when printing inkjet. There are no real advantages or disadvantages between the two printing processes. It is up to you and your personal preference on what suits your aesthetic and printing style.
Q: I don’t live in Toronto. Can I still use your services?
A: Absolutely! You can upload your files through our FTP, Photocentral, or mail a CD/DVD/USB and we will cater to your needs as best as we can. We can ship back your order to you as well. We require you to leave a note with your contact information and instructions along with your package.
Q: How should I prepare my files for mounting or framing?
A: When preparing files where the final treatment includes mounting or framing, bleed are and borders need to be considered. Bleed refers to printing that goes beyond the edge of sheet before trimming. In other words, the bleed is the area to be trimmed off. It ensures that no unprinted edges occur in the final print. Bleeds are generally 1/8” from where the cut is to be made. This is essential if you are mounting or framing your print.
Watch our video tutorial on understanding and setting up a file using bleed and borders.
Q: How do I connect to the FTP Service?
A: Once you have your username and password (if you don’t have one yet you can get it here) there are a variety of ways to connect to our FTP server.
HTTP
For most users, simply pointing their browser to digital.torontoimageworks.com is the best option. It is fast, secure, easy to use and does not require any additional software.
SFTP
If you are working with large files and folders (greater than 300MB), use dedicated FTP client software. We like Transmit for it’s ease of use and speed. Always use an SFTP connection; it is secure and faster than FTP.
WEBDAV
If you can connect using a web browser but not over SFTP your network configuration or firewall may be blocking you. If this is the case and you need to work with large files and folders then WebDav may be your best option. From the Finder on a Mac, select ‘Connect to Server …’ from the ‘Go’ Menu and enter “https://digital.torontoimageworks.com” for the server address. Although slower than SFTP, a WebDav connection will mount your FTP folder as a connected drive allowing you to easily transfer large folders and files using drag and drop.
Q: Why are FTP transfers so slow?
A: In most cases FTP transfer times are directly related to the speed of your internet connection. Go to speedtest.net and run the test to find out what your connection speed is.
Typical ‘High Speed Internet’ connections provide acceptable download speeds but are very slow when it comes to ‘uploading’ a file.
Typical service speed test:
With this type of connection a 200 MB file can download from the server in a 80 seconds; but at only 3 Mbps upload speed the same file requires 10 minutes to transfer to the server, and that is only as long as the connection remains stable.
With an internet connection that is high speed both ‘up’ and ‘down’ the transfer times will be significantly shorter.
High speed synchronous speed test:
With this connection a 200 MB file downloads from the server in 20 seconds and also transfers ‘up’ to the server in just 20 seconds.
Q: Why can’t I download a folder from the FTP Server?
A: There is a limitation on folder size and number of files that can be downloaded using a web browser. If you are working with large folders or groups of files you need to connect using SFTP or WebDav. Please see the ‘How do I connect to the FTP Service?’ FAQ above.