Artist Resources
One of the goals of fotoModesto is to give participating artists an opportunity to show their work physically via properly displayed prints. We realize however that for those new to showing your work you may not know where to start or to find materials. Here's a little help in that area.
Monitor Calibration
One of the most common issues when producing prints is ensuring the color and density seen on the monitor is accurately reproduced. The first step to ensuring accurate colors is monitor calibration, after all, if your monitor isn't displaying colors correctly you can never hope to achieve proper prints.
Datacolor's SpyderSpyder - Professional hardware and software.
http://www.datacolor.com/photography-design/product-overview/spyder5-family/
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X-Rite's ColorMunki - Professional hardware and software
Printer Calibration/Profiling
Printing your own work? Great. A monitor, which is a back-lit display shows colors much differently than ink on paper which is then lit from the front. The colors on the screen need to be translated correctly for your specific printer and paper combination to ensure the image matches. Most paper manufactures provide "Profiles" which can be downloaded from their website and installed within your printing software. Links can usually be found on a insert included in your box of paper.
The quality of these profiles are generally good, though may require a bit of tweaking to ensure a perfect match. You can make your own profiles. Here's some resources to help you do just that.
Datacolor's SpyderPRINT
http://www.datacolor.com/photography-design/product-overview/spyderprint/
EyeOne Profiling hardware/software from X-rite
Professional Print Labs
Using a professional print lab is a great way to save time and often money in the long run. A good print lab will offer the highest quality prints at very affordable prices with many different paper and even mounting options to choose from. If your in a color calibrated environment then the prints you receive back from your lab should be great every time.
Finishing, Matting and Framing
Mounting and Matting Supplies
Dick Blick Art Supplies - Mat board, metal frames, mounting materials and more.
Archival Methods - Mat board, metal frames, mounting materials and more.
Valley Moulding & Frame - Mat board, metal and wood frames, mounting materials and more. (Reseller permit required)
Hobby Lobby - Mat board, frames, mounting materials. Limited supply and choices but local.
Michael"s - Mat board, frames, mounting materials. Limited supply and choices but local.
Aaron Bros - Mat board, frames, mounting materials. Limited supply and choices but local.