Lafleur photographe

The following video shows the idea of a "work on paper."
It presents the 100% cotton rag paper used to print the photographs, and it is embedded here as a mere example.

1- What is a fine art photograph ?
A fine art photograph is an image that goes beyond the simple capture of a moment or scene (‘snapshot’). Unlike reportage, fashion, or advertising photography, which serve a specific purpose (inform, sell, etc.), art photography is a form of personal expression that may even include technical experimentation.
The artist’s intention is paramount.
This intention is reflected in several elements of aesthetic exploration.
Composition is the most immediately visible aspect of aesthetic exploration. The elements within the frame, the light and shadows, the shapes and volumes are all carefully considered.
Next comes the creative process. This refers to the technique used, which can also play an important role. Some works are heavily worked in post-production, while others aim to be more raw or captured spontaneously, either on film or digitally, or even in a hybrid process.
The theme (or subject) then comes into play. While each photograph is complete in itself, it can belong to a series where the underlying theme creates a coherent body of work (street photography, architecture, nudes, portraits, still lives, etc.), despite the diversity of each individual works or techniques.

• the family of arts on paper
The family of paper-based arts encompasses a range of artistic practices that primarily use paper as a support or medium. This includes not only drawing, but also printmaking (linocut, intaglio—engraving, drypoint, etching—screen printing, lithography, etc.), watercolor and gouache, calligraphy, collage, and paper cutting.
Ultimately, the artist’s book can also be included.
Although photography is a different medium due to its analog negative or digital source (its phototype), and even because of monotypes from early photographic processes (such as wet collodion and others), it is considered part of the paper-based arts as soon as the images are printed on silver gelatin photographic paper or inkjet printed paper. This final step gives it its materiality.

• types of papers
Matte paper made of 100% cotton with no texture is designed to provide a non-reflective surface. These papers have a smooth finish, which allows for highly precise detail reproduction and a particularly rich tonal range. It is often preferred for artworks where, paradoxically, the texture of the photographed objects is essential. Matte paper gives prints a softer, more classic appearance.

• longevity and lightfastness
Papers and inks classified as “museum quality” or “archival” are specially formulated to ensure the preservation of the artwork over time. The combination of these two elements guarantees superior durability, with prints that can last for several decades—or even centuries—when properly stored. Additional protection (such as UV-filtering glass frames)
can further extend the lifespan of the prints.
Inkjet inks can be divided into several types, including pigment-based inks and dye-based inks. Pigment inks are by far the most durable. They are made from pigment particles suspended in a liquid. Under normal conservation conditions and away from direct light, pigment inks can last from 50 to 200 years (or even longer in certain conditions) before starting to fade or deteriorate, depending on the brand and lightfastness testing. Pigment-based inks are also more resistant to humidity and air exposure, which contributes to their longevity.
Cotton-based papers are considered the best choice for museum-quality fine art printing. A good museum-grade print should have strong lightfastness (Fading test, ISO 18920 standard). Cotton is naturally acid-free, lignin-free, and highly stable, allowing the paper to last for a very long time without deteriorating. Cotton papers are also more resistant to warping and mold. Archival cotton papers can last over 200 years if properly stored, with minimal changes in texture and color. Museum-quality papers are often labeled as acid-free and pH-neutral to prevent yellowing or degradation over time. Storage conditions also play a key role in the longevity of prints.

2- What are limited editions ?
Limited edition prints refer to artistic works (mainly printed works such as photographs, lithographs, engravings, or screen prints) that are produced in a fixed number of copies. This means that a work is printed in a specific quantity, and that number must not be exceeded. The edition size must be announced when the work is released for sale and is often indicated on each individual piece (for example: 5/30, meaning the print is the 5th in a series limited to 30 copies). In the case of limited editions, each copy is typically numbered and signed by the artist, which distinguishes it from reproductions or mass-produced prints.

• the copyrights, signature, identification, and numbering
The limited edition falls within the framework of copyright law, which is a legal protection granted to the creator of an original work. According to intellectual property law, the author has exclusive rights over the work he have created, including how it is reproduced and distributed. For a limited edition to be valid and authenticated, it is often accompanied by the artist’s signature, which ensures that the work has been created or approved by the artist. This is essential for verifying authenticity. A stamp may also be affixed to the back of the print, providing additional technical information.
The publisher of a limited edition work (whether a photographer, artist, or publishing house) has several legal obligations. The publisher may not exceed the specified number of prints without informing the buyer. This helps preserve the rarity of the work. The artist retains moral rights to the work, even when a limited edition is commercially distributed. This includes the right of attribution (recognition as the creator) and the right to the integrity of the work (the artist can object to any modifications of the work). Some prints may be marked “H.C.” (hors commerce – not for sale) or “A.P.” (artist’s proof – a test or private copy made by the artist before the final edition) to indicate that they are not part of the official limited edition. These are often reserved for the artist, for display purposes, or for special collectors. These proofs are not counted in the total number of the limited edition. The buyer owns the physical object he possesses (for example, print no. x/xx of format y), but the artist retains the copyright to the image itself.

• formats and quantities
Prints from a limited edition (for example, an edition of 30) can be produced in different formats, as long as the total number of prints does not exceed 30. For instance, one buyer might acquire a 10 x 10 inch print numbered 1/30, while another buyer could acquire a 30 x 30 inch print numbered 2/30.

3- What are the differences between a computer screen and a real paper photograph ?
The difference lies fundamentally in sensory perception and image quality. This is primarily due to the way light is produced and interacts with our sense of vision. Looking at a screen is like looking directly at a light source or a Christmas tree, whereas looking at a paper print is like viewing an object
illuminated by ambient light—much like looking at a painting or a piece of furniture.

• backlight screen (computer, tablets, etc.) and paper
Computer monitors use pixel-based display technologies—such as LCD, LED, or OLED screens—which are capable of rendering millions of colors. These "pixels" (a portmanteau made by blending "picture" and "elements") are made of light, not physical pigments or materials. They rely on light-emitting diodes to create an image. The colors displayed can vary depending on the type of screen (OLED, LED, etc.), the screen's calibration, and the surrounding ambient light. Digital screens operate using additive color systems (RGB: Red, Green, Blue), meaning that the diodes themselves emit the colors. Monitors display backlit, luminous images, which can result in a vivid, more "lit-up" appearance. This light can make colors appear brighter and more vibrant, but also less subtle. Colors may seem saturated or artificial, and the contrast between light and dark areas can be more intense. While digital images are instantly accessible, they lack the physical presence and rarity associated with original photographic prints. In this way, the perception of the photographic image is mediated by technology.

In a printed photograph, colors are created by pigments or inks applied to paper. The image is composed of physical matter that interacts with light in a completely different way: the paper absorbs and diffuses light. This creates a more natural rendering, often richer in texture, and can result in a warmth or softness in tones and shadows that is often missing from a screen. A printed photograph has a physical texture that influences the viewer’s perception. For instance, matte, glossy, or satin papers change how light reflects off the surface, affecting how the image is perceived. The perception of a print can shift with ambient lighting, adding a living, ever-changing dimension to the artwork. Paradoxically, this creates a more subdued, less "lit-up" impression. As a physical object, a printed photograph invites a more personal and tactile interaction. The viewer can explore the image in detail and experience its material immediacy. Color reproduction on paper depends on the type of paper, the inks used, and the quality of the print. Techniques such as pigment printing can deliver extremely rich and long-lasting colors. Additionally, the ambient light reflecting off the paper alters the perception of the image depending on the viewing angle, offering a more dynamic experience. In fact, paper creates a more realistic effect, in the sense that images appear less artificial and more natural. This is especially true with high-quality prints, such as pigment prints, which can produce a wide range of colors and fine details. For example, a printed photograph can reveal fine textures or the detail of skin or a surface that feels lifelike or real.