Bob worked as a photo-comp specialist in the 1980s, where he produced page layouts for advertising.
Our lab now combines processes as far back as the 1800s, equipment and skills from the 1980s, and current programs like Photoshop, digital printers, and state of the art UV exposing systems.

To create three types of prints we require multiple workflow steps that are unique to us. We currently specialize in gum bichromate process, combined with platinum palladium processes to create a single monochrome and/or realistic photographic full colour prints.

These prints are the ultimate in colour permanence. Unique to this process is the way the pigmented gum is layered over palladium with multiple coatings which creates the individuality of each print. No print of the same image will ever be the same. 

These prints are coveted by collectors and lovers of photographs.  

Gum Bichromate

This printing process uses only one-six negative and can print up to 6 different colours over top of each other. With brush work and water spray, the printer reveals the underlying colour that was laid down first to create beautiful results.

​Tri Colour Gum Bichromate Prints can be made from any existing digital file. In Photoshop we separate the CMY and black channels out and make separate black and white negatives that record each colour. Then we re-strip the film in register over a light box, these films (exact print size ) are  then laid on coated watercolour paper and exposed and processed out in four different stages. It takes minimum two days to make the finished print.

This process is highly subjective and creates one-of-a-kind prints.

Gum Over Palladium

Gum over palladium prints are known and admired for many reasons, among them a rich and delicate tonal scale and unmatched archival quality. Since the prints are hand coated onto artist quality rag paper, the image actually sits within the fiber of the paper which gives them an inner glow that is not obvious in other methods of printing.
By adding a gum layer to the palladium print, one can see the following benefits...
1) Increase contrast
2) Increase D-Max (blacks)
3) Add depth to the print
4) Add colour to the print - An example of this Edward Steichen's The Pond - Moonlight (1904).
Far more resistant to light, oxidation and chemical contamination than silver, from other processes, these prints from the mid-1800s show no fading or staining.
​A well processed palladium print lasts as long as the substrate it is printed on; the paper base will fall apart before the metals show any change.
With consultation we can determine the number of negatives needed in order to achieve the look of the image we are aiming for.

In the multiple gum over palladium process, we use Palladium (noble metal) as the image outline. With Photoshop separation methods we separate out the Black/White channel to make the Palladium, and the C , M or Y channel to create the colours. 

It is possible to work from Black/White negatives using Photoshop to separate the Highlight and Shadow areas to make negatives that can be used to create a duo tone or tri-tone print.

These prints are highly subjective and extremely permanent on watercolour paper.

Work Flow Considerations

We have a small group of artists that have taken one-on-one workshops with Bob. These clients now know how to carry-out each step in preparing their files based on our working methods, and therefore have the ability to send us completely edited files, ready for print (this is specifically referring to preparation needed for multiple layer prints over palladium). We are happy to help you by providing mini lessons about preparing film.

Currently we are doing a lot of preparation work for complicated jobs that come to us - this includes editing, black and white conversion from colour files, digital prep for specific printing, and large order printing. We specialize in alternative processes like silver gelatin and gum-over printing and are a very small group producing this work world wide.

If you wish to learn how to prepare your files to our specifications on your end, please reach out to us for more information and a potential Zoom meeting option.

Digital Inkjet Negative Output
Digital Prep/Conversion/PS Editing/Neg Generation

The prices below are estimated, ball-park prices that are determined depending on each unique job's size and workflow needs. So, prices may vary.

These prices include the image separation, image generation, image preparation, and the hours used to register the negatives to the paper. These prices do not include the work involved with the making of the actual print.
These prices are also based on the US exchange rate and are subject to change. These prices are as of August 2023.

Film & Paper Size

8x10
11x14
16x20
20x24
24x30
23x36

Single Neg

$30
$35
$65
$115
Quote
Quote

Two Negs

$50
$60
$90
$125
Quote
Quote

Three Negs

$80
$95
$120
$215
Quote
Quote

Four Negs

$110
$120
$130
$240
Quote
Quote

Five Negs

$130
$140
$160
$260
Quote
Quote

Prepared Paper

$20
$25
$35
$40
Quote
Quote

*** this includes paper cutting,  shrinking, and pencilling

Below is our pricing for our alternative printing services. Once again, these prices are a starting point for you to understand the rough cost of your project. Prices may vary based on a project-to-project basis.

Size Up
To
8x10
11x14
16x20
20x24
24x36

2 Gum
Single Neg
$150
$175
$250
$300
$400

3-6 Gum
Single Neg
$200
$220
$300
$360
$460

1 Gum Over
PD
$225
$225
$300
$400
$600

2-3 Gum
Over PD
$250
$250
$350
$425
$650

CMYP Tri Colour O. PD
$300
$300
$400
$475
$700

Custom Portfolio Box Sets

We create box sets for working artists who want to showcase bodies of work. These box sets are made on a quote basis only, and are to be housed in a custom hand-made archival box made by a collaborative vendor.  We recommend 8x10 or 12x12 boxes.