The Baryta Challenge

Now I have to work hard to market both the Ilford Gold Fibre Silk and the Harman Fibre Base inkjet papers.

Before the baryta, all inkjet papers are just printing quality not photographic. Now we have three types in the world, referring to "Battle of the Barytas" and it is quite interesting that I have to deal with two out of the three types. Someone asked me whether it was difficult to handle. I said that both Ilford and Harman baryta inkjet papers are high photographic quality and consumers could choose according to their taste.

That is not the first challenge. In the film era, I had to advise my students etc. about the choice among Kodak's various color films like Gold, Ektar, Ektapress etc. In fact, we had lots of color papers at that time.

With the digital imaging, the difference between cameras, CCD and ATD processes are not so great in compare with the traditional method.

Certainly, many consumers are still failed to understand the inkjet paper can make or break their final imaging results.

As I always mention, the problem is the way to see one's photos. At a glance, just a few seconds, the prints with the higher contrast and lower gradation may be more pleasing. When one appreciates the image, I prefer to say enjoying the image, and then the print with the right contrast and appropriate gradation will always be the best.

In other words, that is the drawing between false and natural beauties. Nowadays, just like a critic said, only the diamond was true in Hollywood. The choice of cosmetic surgery beauty is really a personal case. But in photography, I have devoted to truth ever since and I believe that without truth, photography is nothing worth for us to work on.

It is lucky that I have the chance to work with the best imaging techniques both in the traditional and the digital eras.

For all my works on this topic, you can goto Ilfordinkjet HK and Harmaninkjet HK.

Ilford Galerie Gold Fibre Silk

According to my information, the Ilford Galerie inkjet paper is designed for European market. They have another group of inkjet papers for Asian market. That is why I have arranged the supplies of Super Premium (Glossy and Satin) for HK & Macau. This is similar to the Omnijet paper.

However, there were a number of requests from local customers for the Galerie Gold Fibre Silk. Therefore, this will be available in HK from July 2008.

As said, I am working on the inkjet promotion and now it is in the final stage. For those in HK and Macau, please check the local Ilford website for latest information.

We are now decided to supply directly the wide format papers. It is difficult for dealers to stock and most customers would like to have delivery to their location.

Inkjet prints

For the past three months, I am working on the tests for inkjet printing.

I try to find a way in order for the output services to have photos printed instantly and with similar photographic quality as the desktop printers of anyone, providing they are using the same type of inkjet paper.

Basing on advice from a specialist, my goal can be reached if all have the suitable profile. This seems to be the reason for the ICC profile.

Of course, I have not finished this project. With partial success, I believe that the solution will be accomplished soon.

In contrast to traditional photo printing, inkjet printing with profile can use the same adjustments.

Another problem is the operation. Different versions of Photoshop have different function arrangement. The worst of all is that they use different names or statements for the same thing.

A long time ago, when I intended to raise the photographic standard in Hong Kong, I suggested to the sponsors, Kodak and Canon at that time to work for an English-Chinese Photographic Dictionary. It is because we always misunderstood each other because we were using different Chinese terms for the same thing. I gathered a number of teachers from my Education Program and spent over three years to complete. Then I supplied free of charge to all photographic agencies, shops and schools.

The present inkjet project has similar nature, although this time, it is about my work for a distributor. However, the outcome will be good for all who take digital photos.