Dense forest with tall aspens in the background and lush green bushes in the foreground. Photo by Michael Rung

Aspen Wall

Name: Aspen Wall
Brand: Michael Rung Photography

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Cimarron Mountains, Colorado (2024) - After sleeping in a bit and enjoying a hearty camp breakfast, I spent more time exploring the region, heading into a (somewhat) nearby town to stock up on a few supplies and top off the gas tank.

It was much more overcast than the day before – it was actually on this day that I made “Mountain Ghosts” and “Whispers of the Wild” as I tried to chase light – but seeing some of the same locations as the day before with softer light unlocked new opportunities that I previously overlooked or dismissed.

A complex, busy scene like this would likely work with stronger light and contrast, as well, but its softness is what I appreciate about it. No single element overpowers the rest of the composition, and it all works harmoniously with similar colors and tonality. Although there is some play of lights against darks, most of the contrast is provided by the difference of textures in the frame, and how they shift as the eye moves from the relatively chaotic foreground bushes to the simple lines of the aspens climbing the hillside in the background.

This photo would likely work well in black and white, too (I believe I did try it), but there’s enough subtle color contrast that I opted to forego a monochromatic approach. I also find the colors quite pleasing and calming, which would be lost in a black and white interpretation of the scene.

My Artist Series fine art photography artwork is printed on Palo Duro Etching 315 from Red River Paper, using a Canon Pro 2100 large format printer. Each print is mastered and produced by me in my home studio and includes a signed and numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Photography prints made with Palo Duro Etching 315 are the perfect choice for anyone looking to showcase stunning nature photography. This high-quality art paper is made from 100% cotton rag and has a classic texture that adds depth and interest to your prints without detracting from the details. It is OBA-free and archival, making it ideal for museum-quality and exceptional longevity.

One of the benefits of this paper from Red River is its warmer white tone, which gives my prints an elegant, natural look. This is particularly beneficial for nature photography, as it enhances the beauty of landscapes, nature scenes, and other images with a natural color palette. Unlike other matte papers, it also produces amazingly deep blacks, thanks to a barrier coat that locks ink into the inkjet coating and prevents it from sinking into the base paper.

Palo Duro Etching 315 is a true conservation grade media, with no optical brighteners, and is acid- and lignin-free. It is perfect for producing my fine art nature prints, whether for display in your home or at work. This paper is also ideal for fine art print collectors who appreciate the texture and feel of watercolor or cold press fine art paper.

The professional printer I use, a Canon imagePROGRAF Pro-2100, uses archival pigment inks, providing vibrant, accurate colors. The use of pigment inks furthers the longevity of my Artist Series prints when properly displayed and cared for.

With their elegant look, feel, and performance, my fine art prints are sure to impress and delight for generations to come.

ARTIST SERIES PAPER SIZES

My photos are mastered to take advantage of the most appropriate crop, or aspect, ratio for each composition. The majority of my photos use a 2:3 aspect, but I also have images in aspects of 4:5, 1:1, 1:2, and 2:5.

For 1:1, 2:3, and 4:5 aspects, smaller prints are produced on 11" x 14" and 16" x 20" sheets of fine art paper. The border around the printed image will vary depending on the aspect of the selected photo.

I prefer to use these standard print sizes for my smaller prints to allow for more off-the-shelf framing options without forcing you to have a custom frame produced, which can often cost more than the print itself. If you would prefer to have the paper trimmed to match the actual image aspect ratio, please contact me to receive a special order quote.

11" x 14" Printed Image Sizing

2:3 - Approximately 8.3" x 12.4" for the printed image

4:5 - Approximately 9.4" x 11.8" for the printed image

1:1 - Approximately 9.4" square for the printed image

16" x 20" Printed Image Sizing

2:3 - Approximately 12.3" x 18.4" for the printed image

4:5 - Approximately 14.4" x 18.1" for the printed image

1:1 - Approximately 14.4" square for the printed image

Larger sizes for my Artist Series fine art prints are produced to match each photo's specific aspect ratio. A small white border is still provided to assist with framing, but please note that custom framing may be required.

To learn more about my Artist Series fine art prints, Ready-to-Hang prints, lighting tips, and determining the appropriate size for your space, please visit my Print Information page.
In addition to my Artist Series fine art prints, which are produced by me personally in my home studio, I also offer Ready-to-Hang print options in partnership with a trusted third-party print lab.

These prints come ready to hang out of the box. Although you may still choose to have them framed, framing is not necessary as they include mounting hardware to hang them directly on your wall as-is.

I currently offer two Ready-to-Hang options:

CANVAS READY-TO-HANG PRINTS

Canvas prints provide a textured, canvas-like surface, giving images a tactile, painterly quality. They are typically stretched over wooden frames for a classic gallery-wrap look.

Canvases offer a unique and artistic way to display photos. They are durable, lightweight, and do not require additional framing. The texture adds depth and character.

Canvases work well in both traditional and contemporary settings. They are a great fit for living rooms and offices. Canvas prints are versatile and can adapt to various lighting conditions, including natural and artificial light.

ACRYLIC READY-TO-HANG PRINTS

Acrylic prints are a popular choice for home décor and office/commerical spaces due to their incredible quality and versatility. These prints offer a stunning visual impact that elevates the beauty of any of my images.

The high-gloss finish of the acrylic material enhances the vibrant colors and sharp details of the image, creating a mesmerizing three-dimensional effect. This makes acrylic prints ideal for showcasing my photography in your home or office.

Acrylic prints are also incredibly durable and long-lasting. Unlike traditional prints that can fade over time, acrylic prints are resistant to fading, water damage, and other environmental factors. They are also easy to clean and maintain, ensuring that your images remain in pristine condition for many years to come.

Acrylic prints are a fantastic choice for you to add a touch of beauty and style to your space. Their exceptional quality, durability, and versatility make them a standout option.

Note: All Acrylic Prints are printed at actual size and then machine cut 1/8th smaller on all sides. If you order a 24 x 36", your final print size will be 23.75 x 35.75".

METAL READY-TO-HANG PRINTS

I do not currently offer metal prints. Although they can be a popular choice, I find they do not display as well as acrylic prints, which offer similar, but much more impactful, high-gloss aesthetic. If you are interested in ordering a metal print of one of my photos, please contact me to discuss a special order.

To learn more about my Artist Series fine art prints, Ready-to-Hang prints, lighting tips, and determining the appropriate size for your space, please visit my Print Information page.
Each Artist Series print requires time to dry and complete the outgassing process. Although the fine art prints I produce are given ample time to do so before shipping, you may still wish to wait an additional 7-14 days prior to framing to ensure all outgassing is complete. If a print is framed and outgassing occurs, you may notice a thin white film on the underside of the display glass or acrylic, which can be easily cleaned (assuming the print is not displayed in a sealed frame: see below).

Always use archival, 100% cotton mounting and mat boards, and avoid the use of spray, liquid, or high-heat adhesives for mounting the print to the backing board. Each may cause significant damage to your fine art print(s).

To mount your print to a mounting board, it is recommended to use photo corners or strips. These are a reliable and effective option for mounting and framing your valuable photos without the need to apply tape or other potentially damaging adhesives directly to the paper.

It is recommended that you select a UV-blocking glass or acrylic to provide additional protection for your print(s). Although the Palo Duro Etching 315 paper I use from Red River Paper is free of any optical brighteners, which will degrade over time if exposed to UV light (causing the yellow cast often seen in older photographs or pieces of art), the inks of the print may be negatively impacted by exposure to sunlight.

Lastly, it is advised that the back of the frame be sealed to provide further protection from airborne chemicals and pollution.

The above recommendations are optional, of course, but following these guidelines will offer the best protection, and longevity, for your print(s).
ARTIST SERIES FINE ART PRINTS

I generally produce each print within 3-5 business days of the order being placed, however, this timeline may vary depending on my travel schedule and availability of materials. If there will be a longer-than-usual fulfillment period, I will do my best to communicate with you in a timely manner.

Prints are generally shipped via the United States Postal Service, most often using 2-Day Priority Mail for domestic orders (international orders are sent via USPS First-Class Package International Service; customs and duties are the responsibility of the buyer), but other carriers may be used based on cost and package size. Please note that shipping times may vary significantly based upon time of year and for international orders.

Any print larger than 11" x 14" will be shipped rolled in a protective tube.

In the rare event your fine art print is damaged in shipping, please photograph the damaged packaging and the print itself, and contact me within 5 days of receipt. A replacement will be provided as quickly as possible upon confirmation of the damage.

Note regarding special orders: Production and shipping times may vary significantly for special orders for prints that are larger than what I can personally produce in-studio. We will discuss the process in detail as part of the special order process.

CANVAS & ACRYLIC READY-TO-HANG PRINTS

You can generally expect to receive your Ready-to-Hang artwork within 2-4 weeks of placing your order. This timeline allows for the submission of your order with the third-party print lab, their production and quality assurance process, and shipping. Please note that shipping time can vary significantly, especially for orders placed during the busier holiday seasons and for international orders.

Ready-to-Hang prints are packaged in sturdy cardboard boxes for smaller sizes or plywood crates (lined with protective foam) for larger sizes.
ARTIST SERIES FINE ART PRINTS

To ensure the longevity of your prints, please avoid touching the printed surface. It should be handled by the edges or underside, preferably while wearing protective gloves.

It is important to avoid exposing your print to direct sunlight as the heat and UV radiation can cause fading and damage to the paper over time.

It is recommended to store prints in a climate-controlled environment with a temperature of approximately 75 degrees Fahrenheit and a relative humidity of 50%. Avoiding air movement and using acid-free storage boxes or print sleeves made of biaxially oriented polypropylene plastic can also help to prevent fading. Do not use plastic bags or sleeves made of polyethylene or containing plasticizers, as these materials can cause rapid yellowing of the paper.

If you need to store or transport your print(s) without framing or other permanent protection, it is highly recommended to use interleaving sheets. This is especially important for prints made with black pigment inks on matte or cotton papers (such as my Artist Series fine art prints I produce in my studio), as these inks can rub off and scuff easily. To prevent damage to your prints, it is best to keep them from coming into direct contact with each other, or other surfaces.

CANVAS & ACRYLIC READY-TO-HANG PRINTS

Care should be taken to protect the surface of your canvas, metal, or acrylic print. Do not use harsh chemical cleaners: for canvas prints, it is recommended to use a soft feather duster to gently clean the surface; for metal and acrylic prints, and clean, soft microfiber cloth should be used to safely and gently clean the surface, if a feather duster is unable to remove any dust or fingerprints, etc.
ARTIST SERIES FINE ART PRINTS

Every print I produce is closely inspected to ensure it meets the high-quality I demand of my work, and to ensure your utmost satisfaction with your fine art purchase. You should have absolute confidence in the quality of the print you receive, and I am happy to answer any questions you may have about your purchase before you buy. Please use my contact form to reach out.

READY-TO-HANG PRINTS

I use a trusted, professional third-party print lab to produce my Ready-to-Hang artwork. If a print arrives damaged, it is imperative that you photograph the external box/crate in detail, as well as the damage to the print itself, so I may provide evidence of shipping damage to the lab.

ALL PRINTS (Artist Series & Ready-to-Hang)

Every print is made to order. As such, I am unable to offer refunds and all sales are final given the time and investment required to produce each print. If your order arrives with a printing defect or other blemish, I will be happy to provide a replacement at no added cost to you. Ready-to-Hang artwork is produced by a trusted third-party print lab, and any replacements due to defects in the production process will be managed by me, working directly with the lab, to ensure your satisfaction.