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Thread: Popularity of 16x20, 20x24 B&W Prints?

  1. #1

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    Popularity of 16x20, 20x24 B&W Prints?

    Out of curiosity, what's the popularity of high quality 16x20 or 20x24 size black and white silver photographs? I generally print pretty small, but I'm wondering about venturing into 16x20 and/or 20x24 enlarged prints?

  2. #2

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    Re: Popularity of 16x20, 20x24 B&W Prints?

    Interesting question ...

    In my mind, small well printed images are jewel-like. That's why I love my Type 54 Polaroids and that's why I'm heading toward 5x7 contact prints.

    I like to hold prints in my hands and admire them. IMHO a 16x20 or 20x24 print can only really be hung to be appreciated.

    No doubt others will disagree ...
    Last edited by Ron Bose; 18-Jan-2008 at 08:49.

  3. #3

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    Re: Popularity of 16x20, 20x24 B&W Prints?

    Quote Originally Posted by Ron Bose View Post
    No doubt others will disagree ...
    No, I will not disagree. That is what I think, too.

  4. #4
    Lascassas, TN
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    Re: Popularity of 16x20, 20x24 B&W Prints?

    I mostly hang 8x10 prints matted to 11x14. That fits my wall space best.
    Bill Kumpf

  5. #5
    Eric Biggerstaff
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    Re: Popularity of 16x20, 20x24 B&W Prints?

    I am a fan of any size print as long as the image is right for the size.

    I tend to print small, mainly because at this point in time the work I produce seems better suited to a small image size. When my work gets much larger than 8X10 it doesn't feel right to me. However, as time goes and my vision or photographic direction changes, I might print large if the work seems right for it.

    I collect a lot of images and they range from 30"x40" down to 6"X6". I like them all, the large seem perfect being large while the small are great being small. While some images would work well large or small, most have a size that is the correct fit for them.

    I don't always like it when a photographer prints images in a range of sizes and then prices them by size. I think they should pick a size or two that best represents the image and limit it's production to those selected dimensions.
    Eric Biggerstaff

    www.ericbiggerstaff.com

  6. #6
    Kirk Gittings's Avatar
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    Re: Popularity of 16x20, 20x24 B&W Prints?

    Are you asking personal taste or in terms of sales?In terms of sales, it depends on the client. True connoisseurs of photography, collectors etc. don't care much about size and appreciate small prints. But people who's interest is decor (architets, interior designers etc.) often prefer larger prints because of the decorative "presence" that larger prints have on a wall. I personally prefer 11x14 with a generous mat.
    Thanks,
    Kirk

    at age 73:
    "The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
    But I have promises to keep,
    And miles to go before I sleep,
    And miles to go before I sleep"

  7. #7
    Ted Harris's Avatar
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    Re: Popularity of 16x20, 20x24 B&W Prints?

    If you are printing for yourself the you print whatever size you prefer. I you are printing for others, for sale or for exhibition, then larger prints are often (not always but often) more attractive, easier to sell, etc.

  8. #8

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    Re: Popularity of 16x20, 20x24 B&W Prints?

    16x20 and 20x24 contact prints are really nice. Last year this time, I found myself embarressingly calm standing in front of enlarged famous prints of "Winter Storms" and "Moonrise". Looking at Weston's 8x10 contacts gave me the oppposite feelings.

  9. #9
    tim810
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    Re: Popularity of 16x20, 20x24 B&W Prints?

    I just saw a William Wegaman exhibit in Winchester MA Last weekend. It was in a small gallery, there where about 30 of his 20x24 polaroids on the wall. It was beautifull. I like the fact that you needed to stand back from some of his images for them to work and some you could not see the subject matter unless you almost put your nose on the print. It was amazing.
    I Like fitting a print to one maby two speciffic sizes and that is it. The image also has to fit the space it is in too. My apt has some larger prints but for the most part they are either 4x10 or 8x10 with at least a 4" matt.

  10. #10
    Moderator Ralph Barker's Avatar
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    Re: Popularity of 16x20, 20x24 B&W Prints?

    I have a couple of 16x20 prints that Bob Carnie did for me (I don't have an 8x10 enlarger) hanging in my house. Most of the others, however, are 11x14s along with a few 8x10s - all matted to at least the next "standard" size.

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