With over 37 years of experience working within the visual arts industry Metro prides itself on the creative experts that make up our diverse team- from print technicians and retouchers to framers, scanners and client care – what our team don’t know about photography and print production just isn’t worth knowing!

This week’s tips come from one of our expert senior print technicians –the infamous Mr. Manish Patel. He shares his advice with us on preparing your files to get the best for your photographic or art prints using our in-lab Bespoke Services.

1. Don’t sharpen or crop any aspect of your image file until you have decided on the final print size, it could limit the size you can go to if you start tweaking before this.

2. If using RAW files save the .xmp (which can be done in LightRoom or Photoshop), so when we open your files in the lab we can work on your edited or layered file accordingly.

3. Leave time for testing. You may think you just need to print the files straight to your ‘go to paper’, but we have such a variety of photographic and fine art papers at Metro that experimenting with different substrates could open up a whole new element to your work.

4. Don’t hesitate to come in and view your work on our calibrated screens with a print technician, we’re here to help you get the best from your image files.

5. FYI most of us printers love Rum

See our Bespoke Printing Services for more info or to discuss your project plans with our lovely staff just pop in or call 020 7865 0000 for an appointment.

What is a limited edition print? In printmaking, an edition is a number of prints struck from one plate, usually at the same time. Most artists produce only limited editions, normally signed by the artist and numbered (eg 5/50) to show the specific print number and the total edition size. With limited edition work there will only ever be a certain number of prints produced and once they are sold, they’re gone!

Metro Imaging was one of the first UK photo imaging companies to introduce a Bespoke Limited Edition Print Service for photographers and artists. The demand for limited edition runs of prints is expanding and with that, there comes a responsibility for establishing both quality and provenance.

We work very closely with clients using our Metro Imaging Bespoke Premier Service to produce high-quality master prints. Once these prints are produced any further run on or edition is guaranteed to be consistent with the first print.

We pride ourselves in the way in which our specialist printers and technicians work – machines are regularly calibrated and serviced to ensure continuity and printers liaise directly with clients to maximise the working partnership. 

In support of the edition printing service, we can provide Certificates of Authenticity and are also working closely with Tagsmart to provide non-invasive DNA and watermarking services to further protect our clients work. Our clients can also be reassured that it is their named printer that is producing the work and as we collaborate directly with manufacturers we can advise on the longevity and archival stability of materials.

We can help you create limited edition prints of your art and photography via our Bespoke Premier Service.

We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Youth Club and once again produce work with portrait and subculture photographer Owen Harvey. “Owen’s work harks back to the very foundations of Mod culture in the UK. Once described as ‘Clean living under difficult circumstances’, Owen delves deeper into the progressive nature of the Mod movement and captures what it means to be a member of this iconic subculture today.  Having photographed the UK Mod scene over the last 5 years, Owen’s work breathes fresh life into the contemporary face of a movement founded way back in the 1950s. Travelling from Liverpool, to Margate, Brighton, London and afar, he began to discover and document the vibrant energy found in the Mod revival culture in the 21st century. “ – Youth Club For the first time – with support from Farah Menswear and G.H.Bass & Co.Europe –  Owen will exhibit Mod U.K. in the iconic London location of Carnaby St.  Metro Imaging has worked closely with Owen over the last few months producing more than 30 high-res drum scans , large format genuine black and white silver gelatin prints and bespoke mounting for this exciting new show. Don’t miss the opening night on Thursday  27th of July 6PM-9PM at The Subculture Archives, 3 Carnaby St, London, W1F 9QG where the exhibition will be run until Thursday August 3rd.  RSVP HERE!   ALL IMAGES © Owen Harvey