Lumiere Loft - Materials and Processes

Not exactly, but we work very hard to make them close. Every computer monitor, laptop screen, or phone display shows colors differently depending on its brand, age, brightness setting, and color calibration. A print, on the other hand, reflects light in a physical environment. Because of this, you may notice slight differences in brightness, contrast, or warmth between the digital image and the final artwork. We use professionally calibrated monitors and standard color profiles (Adobe RGB or sRGB) to minimize these differences. For the most accurate preview, please view the artwork on a high-quality screen with brightness set to a moderate level. If color accuracy is absolutely critical for your project, we recommend ordering a small sample print first.

Giclée (pronounced "zhee-klay") is a French term that means "to spray." In the art world, it refers to a high-quality digital printing process using archival pigment inks and professional inkjet printers. Unlike ordinary home printers or commercial posters, giclée prints produce incredibly fine detail, smooth color transitions, and a very wide color range. Because the inks are fade-resistant and the papers are acid-free, a properly stored giclée print can last for decades without visible fading. Many museums, galleries, and serious collectors prefer giclée printing for reproducing photographic artworks and fine art. When you see the term "giclee," you can expect a print that is much closer to an original work of art than an ordinary poster.

The best paper depends on the look and feel you want. For most of our photographic artworks, we offer two main options. Matte fine art paper has a smooth, non-reflective surface with a soft, velvety texture. It is excellent for black-and-white photography and images with subtle details, as it produces no glare. However, colors may appear slightly less vivid. Glossy or semi-gloss (lustre) paper has a slight sheen and makes colors pop, giving the image more contrast and a sense of depth. It is great for vibrant landscapes or colourful interiors, but it can show fingerprints and reflections from windows or lamps. For a balance between the two, satin or pearl papers offer a moderate sheen with good colour reproduction. We always use acid-free, archival-quality papers that meet museum standards for longevity.

All artworks will eventually show some fading if exposed to very strong sunlight for many years, but our prints are designed to resist fading for a very long time. We use archival pigment inks and acid-free papers, which together create a print that, under normal indoor conditions (no direct, continuous sunlight), can last 80 to 100 years or more before any noticeable fading occurs. To maximize the life of your artwork, avoid hanging it in a spot that receives direct, intense sunlight for many hours each day. Ultraviolet (UV) filtering glass or acrylic on a framed piece provides additional protection. If you place your print in a hallway or a room with indirect light, you will likely never see any fading during your lifetime.

Not by default. The base price for our photographic artworks covers only the print itself (either as a loose fine art print or stretched on a wooden frame for canvas). You may add a frame as an optional upgrade during checkout. We offer a range of styles: thin or thick profiles, natural wood tones, black, white, silver, and sometimes gold or bronze. If you choose a framed option, the artwork will arrive completely assembled – the print is already mounted and framed, ready to hang. For customers who prefer to buy a frame locally (to save on international shipping costs or to match existing home decor), we also sell unframed prints. Please check the product description carefully before ordering.

Yes, for most of our fine art photographic works, each print includes the photographer's signature (either hand-signed in pencil on the front or stamped on the back, depending on the size). We also provide a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) with every artwork. The COA is a small document that states the title of the work, the name of the photographer, the print date, the printing method (e.g., giclée on archival paper), and the edition number if the work is part of a limited edition. This certificate is your proof that the artwork is an original, authorised print and not a counterfeit or an unauthorised reproduction. For open edition prints, the COA will say "Open Edition" instead of a numbered edition.

It depends on the specific photograph. We offer both limited editions and open editions. A limited edition means that only a certain number of prints of that specific image and size will ever be made – for example, 50 prints worldwide. Each print is numbered (e.g., "12/50") and often signed by the photographer. Once the edition sells out, no more prints of that size will be produced, which may increase the artwork's collectability and value over time. An open edition has no fixed limit; we can continue printing it as long as there is demand. Open edition prints are more affordable and perfect for general home decoration where investment value is not a concern. The product page will clearly state whether the artwork you are viewing is a limited edition or an open edition. If you are interested in a specific limited edition photograph, please note that the edition number is assigned in the order we receive requests – ordering early gives you a lower number.