What are Backlit Prints?

Starting at the heart of the Backlit Photography Print, the first thing to mention is the use of a specialized metallic paper. Backlit prints are known for their 3-dimensional appearance, and the way they interact with light when they are properly lit. The technical nature of metallic paper involves a specific composition and surface treatment designed to enhance the visual impact of printed images. Metallic paper is typically made from a resin-coated paper base that is then coated with a thin layer of metal, often aluminum. While this all becomes very wordy, what’s more important to know is the end result of this process. The brighter portions of the printed image will reflect more light and color, and comparatively, the darker parts will do this less. This results in a very natural effect where the print almost appears to have lighting coming from behind the artwork, hence the name “backlit prints”. When done right, you would almost believe that you are looking out through a window at the artwork.

Acrylic Facemount Process

The next stage of creating a backlit print is the Acrylic mounting process, known as “Acrylic Face Mounting”. Selected for it’s optical properties, a piece of Acrylic Glass is used in this process. While traditional art sits below the glass, a backlit print is physically attached to the glass. Using an optically clear adhesive that is adhered to the front of the print, the Acrylic is pressed and mounted to the paper, creating a permanent bond that makes the paper indistinguishable from the glass. This process not only creates the needed protection for the print, but it adds a depth, dimension and shine to the overall look. It is the piece that finalizes and creates the signature look that is most associated with a “backlit print”, and when done properly, produces a level of quality that has to be seen to be believed.

Backing and Float mount Framing

The final construction process is to increase the rigidity of the print, and give it a unique way to hang on the wall. While the Acrylic glass protects the print, it still requires to be fastened to a rigid core material such as a Sintra® or Dibond® backing – similar to the way it is bonded to the Acrylic. This further creates more stiffness in the print, and also gives it a mounting point for a frame. Additionally, it adds thickness to the side profile of the print, which serves to further enhance the luxurious fit and finish of the artwork. It’s a delicate balance of material size and strength to get a beautiful result; neither too thick or thin of materials will do.

Now comes the time to install the float mount frame. The frame is constructed of wood, at a size that is smaller than the final print size. It is bonded to the back of the print, and it has the mounting hardware attached to it. While most traditional art uses a metal wire to hang from, the float mount frame is a superior option. Rather than having your artwork hanging at an angle off the wall, a float mount frame will mount the artwork completely parallel and flush to the surface of the wall. What’s unique about this method is that the frame itself is never seen, and gives the artwork its name of a “float mount”, as it gives the appearance that the print piece is floating off the wall.

Backlit Prints by Location

Browse through a captivating journey between a wide range of nature landscapes and breathtaking vistas captured in my image galleries by location.

Through my tenure as a photographer I have worked hard to capture scenes of grandeur, all the way down to the smallest and most intimate details. From remote locations requiring long stays of camping, to the more relaxed nature of national parks, there is something in my gallery for every person.

About The Artist

Backlit Prints Gallery

Why my Backlit Prints?

My origin of becoming a landscape photographer is a bit of a unique story since I fell in love with it prior to owning a camera. I have always had an artistically focused mind, but I didn’t have a suitable outlet. The revelation of what photography had to offer immediately peaked my interest, and initiated my love of traveling. Prior to this point it had been years since I had done any travel, but suddenly I found myself planning multiple trips per year specifically in the service of capturing nature photos.

So why my backlit prints? Because of my art & nature first principals. To me, this was never about building a business or brand, it was always about creating art from the visual gifts that nature provides. After nearly a decade of curating galleries of landscape images, I then realized that printing was the ultimate expression of my art and truly my end goal. The combination of art-first principles, paired with large-format printing of the highest quality is now my passion and what I offer here.

Fine Art Prints

Elevate your surroundings with the timeless beauty of nature through my fine art prints. Each photograph is meticulously captured with printing in mind. In the era of digital images and social media, it’s easier to photograph with low-resolution in mind. My process is always geared towards maximizing resolution, dynamic range, and color representation. Likewise, the art of processing is not only what makes my prints unique, but its focus is to produce large format pieces of art. Most of my clients choose 5 foot, 6 foot, and 6 foot + wide prints, so having reliable printing methods is paramount to success, and is one of the reasons I have a 5-star review rating.

Working with a Canadian printer that was one of the original shops to pioneer Acrylic Facemount Printing techniques, come see what sets my prints apart.