Master Printer Ray Henders

We have the pleasure of talking to master printer and Cubs’ fan, Ray Henders of Rayographix. Ray does fantastic, high-end printing for a slew of clients. Let’s get to it.

ephotos: When did you get started printing or when did you see the opportunity?

RH: I have always printed for myself and for friends on the Epson 1270. In 2002 I went to work in a private art studio as a printmaker/studio manager. I realized there was a growing market and in 2004 started my own business.

ephotos: Where is your business based?

RH: Rayographix is now located in Bushwick, Brooklyn. I print for artists locally and all over the world.

ephotos: Do you have a website for Rayographix?

RH: Yes. You can find out about my services at http://rayographix.com .

ephotos: Is there a name for the type of printing process that you do?

RH: "Archival Pigmented Inkjet Print". At the Friedlander show at MOMA, they called their digital prints that.

ephotos: Do you have a photo background?

RH: Yes. I was a photography minor at Columbia College, in Chicago. I spent much time in both color and black and white darkrooms.

I was also a photo assistant for 6 years in NYC. I shot for a couple magazines. I also had a solo photography exhibit at Bridge Gallery in 2008.

ephotos: How does your background help you with your printing?

RH: My background was perfect for what I do now. I think that is why I enjoy it so much. 1985, while attending community college got a job at an advertising agency. I got on the job training in the art department doing cut and paste… times were different then. I worked my way through college, mostly, working in printing companies. I did everything except run the presses. All the years in print shops/ad agencies, and I had pretty much learned how to print to any printer. I also believe that having traditional darkroom skills helps me in Photoshop and color correction. Having the graphic arts background coupled with the photography is a huge advantage for what I do.

ephotos: What types of clients do you work with?

RH: I work with mostly "showing" artists for exhibition in galleries and museums. That includes photographers, painters, and digital artists. I also have clients like Elite Models, where I print fashion stuff for their walls.

ephotos: What do you enjoy printing?

RH: I enjoy printing anything that my client is excited about printing. Really, that is why I do it. I work with some famous people and I work with some unknowns and I like it all. I like that people come into my studio and get inspired by the realm of possibilities of digital printing. That in a small way I helped them actualize their visions that up until that moment lived only on a computer screen.

ephotos: What type of plotter/printer do you use?

RH: It's a Roland HiFi Jet 54" 8 Color Pigment Printer.

ephotos: What types of paper do you find you use the most?

RH: There are a couple. Since my clients are diverse so are the papers. Since it is pigment it works best with acid free watercolor papers, matte surfaces. I use Hahnemühle FineArt, like the William Turner Rag or the Photo Rag. I also use Innova FibaPrint Smooth and Soft Texture for black and white printing.

ephotos: What are some of the other materials on which you print?

RH: I print on canvas, translucent (light box) material, clear plastic, Mulberry Kozo (looks like rice paper), self-adhesive vinyl, photo lustre.....

ephotos: Is there a favorite paper or material that you like working with?

RH: Many of my papers are beautiful papers. Hahnemühle William Turner Rag is really nice.

ephotos: What are some of the other services that you offer?

RH: I do scanning, retouching, photography, color correction. I helped publish 2 books for John Lurie, all scanning color corrections and prep. I also photographed 200 paintings for an artist to create a catalogue. I also document art shows for artist and galleries.

ephotos: Are there any new innovations in the printing industry that you are excited about?

RH: Well the scanners are getting better, the digital cameras are getting better, that all helps me with making beautiful prints. What excites me is that I am always pushing the limits of this technology. Scanning a 35mm negative and printing it 80" can be quite tricky. I think the innovation is in the software that runs the printers, the RIP. It is powerful tool that helps me get the most control over final output. You have to keep on learning and growing and getting better.

ephotos: What do you think about ephotos.com ?

RH: ephotos seems to be a great resource for photographers to self promote. I like that it is clean and simple and not a bunch of ads. I will continue to check back with ephotos for their interesting interviews and great photography.

ephotos: Is there anything else you like us to know about you or your work?

RH: I think I am lucky that I enjoy what I do. It is a pleasure to work with some of the best artists in the world and feel like I had a small part in that. Coming from a commercial photography background, who knew? Also check out my music photography at:
http://www.rayhenders.com .

ephotos: Thanks Ray! It’s always a pleasure spending time with you. Keep the focus!



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