Would you buy a metal print?

[kxl]

The final print would be dyes infused into an aluminum sheet. Based on my research, best results for aluminum prints are highly saturated color photos or B&W photos or sepia toned photos.

Setting aside the pricing, would you buy one purely from an aesthetic point of view? Why (or why not)?

 

[daveleo]

There was athread on this back in maybe August ?
Based on the one (1.0) metal print that I saw (in a gallery), no I would not. The look, "texture", changed as you moved your viewing position.

Selling might be tough simply because not a lot of people have actually seen one in the wild.

 

[kxl]

The texture definitely does change as you change your vantage point, which may not be to everyone's liking -- good point.

I understand the market for this would be limited.

 

[Dwig]

...
Based on the one (1.0) metal print that I saw (in a gallery), no I would not. The look, "texture", changed as you moved your viewing position.
...

There are different types of print on metal and they don't give the same appearance.

The type we sell in the gallery I work for (I do scanning, RAW processing, image manipulation and adjustment, canvas and paper printing, and other image processing chores.) have a white layer bonded to the aluminum which receives the pigments. They have a smooth high gloss, similar to the old glossy Cibachromes of years past, and don't change in appearance with viewing angle.

 

[biomed]

I purchased an aluminum print with a gift certificate I received from my wife. The aluminum plate had a white glossy finish that made the colors pop. I am not overly fond of the results compared to the prints I have seen on natural aluminum. Some of the best examples I have seen have been done by Bay Photo. Several finishes are offered. Most of the metal prints are of autumn colors. I did see one print of a polished airplane in BW that was spectacular. IMHO this process is not for just any subject.

 

[BlackXList]

I recently saw a print onto metal (not photography but it had clearly been a digital file), I think it's probably of the type described by dwig, and I have to admit I was very impressed by the finish.

 

[kxl]

There are two option that I am aware of: white base and clear base; the highlights on the former are just like any other print on photo paper but with more color depth.

The clear base has the aluminum shining through, meaning the highlights would be the color of the aluminum.

Agreed that this is not for all photos, but the ones that work best with it would be stunning. Probably not something I'd offer as a regular print for all photos, but as a "special offer" for a limited number of photos.

 

[wafflecakee]

If you want to make money, the average person, in my experience, has loved aluminum prints. Personally I've had some I liked more than others, they are entirely dependent on light and a viewing point however, the way they change entices the viewer to move around to watch that transformation. These days if you can capture someone's attention for more than 3 seconds, that's a good start. As a photographer, meh. As a business, hell yes ill keep printing on aluminum.