Advanced Awagami Printing & Display

Introduction

Awagami inkjet papers are a specialized medium for producing fine art digital prints. The range runs from subtle matte papers through highly textured dramatic papers. The papers also run the gamut from ultra-thin to extremely thick. The key to utilizing these unique and beautiful materials is matching the paper to a photograph and artistic vision that work in harmony.

We recommend those interested in these materials having no in-person exposure to them attend our Introduction to Awagami Papers half-day workshop. The introductory workshop is to understand the full line of inkjet papers offered, see the materials in use, and to understand if these unique papers fit your artistic vision.

The full price of that workshop is applied to any future advanced Awagami workshop, including this workshop, offered by Les Picker Fine Art Photography. If you would like to take the advanced workshop without the introductory workshop feel free to email us to make sure these materials are right for your work.

This day and a half hands-on workshop will result in two completed mounted Awagami fine art prints that best represents your artistic intention. More importantly the experience with the selection, discernment, and realization of other participants' art will be invaluable as you move forward using Awagami materials for future projects.

Preparation

Two to four weeks prior to the workshop we ask that participants prepare a selection of 10 to 20 images and share them with us. We will review those images and arrange a conversation to collaborate on our recommendations for final image selection (and a few alternates) to bring to the workshop for printing and mounting. This preparation is important so that we understand your work, your vision, and can provide guidance that will result in realization your art.

Agenda

Saturday

• Review of Awagami papers and uses
• Focus on two high-impact, highly textured papers: Unryu and Bizan
• Choosing the paper that matches your photograph and vision
• Review and discussion of participants images and vision for final prints
• Initial proofing using a matte paper
• Evaluation and adjustments for final print
• Making the final print
• Review of mounting ideas and options
• Discussion of the mount we’ll use in this workshop

Sunday

• Protecting the print
• Mounting the print
• Wrap-up, review, and going forward

Participants will be sent detailed information and directions upon registration.

Requirements

You must bring with you a laptop, your images under consideration, and a positive attitude. We provide lunch on Saturday (we accommodate dietary restrictions). Water, coffee, tea, and snacks are available throughout the day.

Lodging

Once registered we will send you a list of lodging options within minutes of our studio. Havre de Grace is a historic town with wonderful photographic possibilities.

About Us

Lester Picker (www.lesterpickerphoto.com) has more than 650 writing and photo credits in National Geographic Society publications and dozens of newspapers, magazines and other publications. He is a former reporter, photojournalist and editor. Les is a Moab Master photographer, lauded for his fine art printing and his workshops. Les was awarded the prestigious Canada Northern Lights Award for Best Travel Photographer. Les has been named the first international ambassador for Awagami.

Robert Boyer is a master printer and oversees all fine art printing for LPFA. Bob is also a computer and software technician. He is an experienced studio photographer and workshop presenter.