Glossary of Fine Art Photography Terms
Understanding fine art photography terminology helps you make informed decisions about collecting and displaying artwork. This glossary defines key terms used throughout our website.
What is ChromaLuxe?
ChromaLuxe is a premium metal printing process that uses dye-sublimation to fuse images directly into a coated aluminum surface. This creates prints with exceptional color depth, durability, and archival quality. The image becomes part of the metal itself, making it scratch-resistant, moisture-resistant, and fade-resistant with a 65-year lifetime no-fade guarantee.
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What is Limited Edition Print?
A limited edition print is an exclusive fine art print with a fixed edition limit (e.g., 20 prints total). Each print is hand-signed, numbered (e.g., "5/20"), printed on ChromaLuxe metal, and comes with a certificate of authenticity. Once the edition sells out, no more prints of that size will be produced. Limited editions are typically more valuable and collectible than open editions.
Learn more: FAQ, Certificates
What is Open Edition Print?
An open edition print is available in unlimited quantities. These prints are hand-signed by the artist, framed, and ready to hang. Perfect for collectors who want beautiful art at accessible prices. Available in 8.5" × 11" and 13" × 19" sizes. Open editions offer the same artistic quality as limited editions but without the exclusivity or certificate of authenticity.
What is Dye-Sublimation?
Dye-sublimation is a printing process where dye-based inks are printed onto transfer paper, then heat-pressed onto a coated surface at high temperature and pressure. The dye vaporizes and embeds into the coating, creating a permanent, fade-resistant image. This process is used in ChromaLuxe metal printing to create archival-quality prints.
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What is Certificate of Authenticity?
A certificate of authenticity (COA) is an official document that verifies a print's authenticity, edition number, and provides important documentation for insurance and resale purposes. It includes the artist's name, artwork title, edition number (e.g., "5/20"), print date, print specifications (size, material), artist signature verification, edition limit, and a unique certificate number. Every limited edition print includes a COA.
Learn more: Certificates, FAQ
What is Fine Art Photography?
Fine art photography is photography created as an artistic expression rather than for commercial or documentary purposes. Fine art photographers use technical skill, artistic vision, and creative interpretation to create images that are considered works of art. Fine art photography prints are typically produced in limited quantities, signed by the artist, and intended for display and collection.
What is Archival Quality?
Archival quality refers to materials and processes that ensure artwork will last for generations without significant deterioration. Archival prints use acid-free papers, fade-resistant inks, and stable materials. ChromaLuxe metal prints are considered archival quality with a 65-year lifetime no-fade guarantee based on independent testing by Wilhelm Imaging Research.
Learn more: Printing Process, Care Instructions
What is Hand-Signed Print?
A hand-signed print is a print that has been personally signed by the artist with a pen or marker. This signature authenticates the print and adds value. All prints from Ning Ma Photography, whether open or limited edition, are hand-signed by the artist Ning Ma. Limited edition prints are also numbered to indicate their position in the edition.
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What is Numbered Edition?
A numbered edition indicates the position of a print within a limited edition series. For example, "5/20" means this is the 5th print out of a total of 20 prints in the edition. The numbering is typically written by hand by the artist and appears on the print itself. Numbered editions help establish provenance and value.
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What is Edition Limit?
An edition limit is the maximum number of prints that will be produced of a particular artwork in a specific size. For example, a limited edition may have an edition limit of 20, meaning only 20 prints will ever be made. Once the edition limit is reached, no more prints of that size will be produced, making them more valuable and collectible.
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What is Provenance?
Provenance is the documented history of ownership and authenticity of a work of art. It includes information about where the artwork came from, who has owned it, and how its authenticity has been verified. Certificates of authenticity help establish provenance for fine art prints.
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What is Lifetime No-Fade Guarantee?
A lifetime no-fade guarantee is a warranty that promises the print will not fade for a specified period (in this case, 65 years) under normal indoor display conditions. If fading occurs within the guaranteed period, the print will be replaced at no cost. This guarantee is based on independent testing by Wilhelm Imaging Research and applies to ChromaLuxe metal prints.
Learn more: Printing Process, FAQ
What is Museum Quality?
Museum quality refers to prints that meet the standards used by museums for displaying and preserving artwork. This includes archival materials, professional printing processes, proper framing, and documentation. ChromaLuxe metal prints and professionally framed open edition prints from Ning Ma Photography meet museum quality standards.
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Still Have Questions?
If you can't find the term you're looking for, check our FAQ page or contact us for more information.