About the Prints
Technology
Paul Eekhoff uses a Canon 1DS Mark II camera equipped with a super-sharp EF 100 mm macro lens. 
In combination with custom camera profiles and sophisticated macro photography techniques, he delivers lifelike reproductions of the specimen. Capitalizing on one of the major strengths of shooting digitally, the white balance of the light is customized for every shot, producing the neutral, natural colours so important to the entomologist or collector. The raw ( digital negative) files are processed using Capture One Pro to further ensure maximum image quality and colour fidelity.
At the printing stage, custom printer and paper profiles are set for each individual image, with the profiles being regularly updated. Buyers get a choice of print size and quality: larger (Exhibition) prints are processed through a traditional chemical process, while smaller (Giclé) prints use long-life, six-colour archival-quality inks. Both methods virtualy eliminate ageing and fading. Both size prints are also astoundingly lifelike, an impression enhanced by the magnification factor: depending on the format chosen, up to 10 times the actual size of the insect.
Protecting Your Investment
All Eekhoff images are registered with the United States Library of Congress Copyright Office. Copyright remains the property of the artist.
Artistic Intent
This growing collection of insecta has been assembled from all parts of the globe. Since shooting each in its natural environment would be a logistically daunting (if not impossible) task, we take great care to reproduce each specimen with 100% accuracy, adding no anatomical embellishment of any sort. Each specimen is digitally married to a custom-crafted background that enhances its presence and artistic merit. The resulting image is not only extra-striking in a framed setting, but can actually transcend the insect’s salient characteristics with surreal compositional metaphors. Thus, the alien-appearing Augosoma Centaurus, for example, straddles an other-worldly, colour-complementary pattern of swirling azure; the Thyiades butterfly is cossetted in an outstretched, flawless hand.
The compositions are meant to imply rather than depict our diverse but vital connection with the natural world of flora, fauna, oceans, Terra and mankind. I approach this work as a creative photographer, not as an entomologist or scientist.
Says photographer Eekhoff,
“This project began in 2003 when I came upon entomological specimens in New York city. As a photographer, I was immediately captivated by their intrinsic beauty, and knew I had to start photographing these amazing creatures. My first efforts concentrated on artistic value more than colour purity. Since then I have made accurate colour a priority, so that the images I produce today are not only artistically satisfying to me, but also virtually indistinguishable in colour from the original insects.”
About Paul Eekhoff
Renowned Toronto photographer Paul Eekhoff has been shooting professionally for 24 years. In addition to producing stock and assignment photography, Paul is a college instructor in creative techniques, studio photography and lighting and digital printing. He lives and works in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada.
Two Limited Edition Prints to choose from
Our prints are offered in two sizes and processes: Exhibition Prints and Giclé Prints. Choose according to your size requirements and budget. Please note that prints cannot be ordered framed, owing to the complexity of addressing personal tastes in frame designs and to the risk of glass breakage during shipping.
Pricing also includes Archival Packaging Materials.
a) Exhibition Prints
20 x 30 inch (50 x 76 cm) image size
30 x 40 inch (76 x 102 cm) finished size with border
Exhibition Prints are produced using traditional photographic paper and chemistry. The digital negative is exposed to the paper using a Lightjet printer and glossy FujiFlex paper, which retains a pearlescent surface with a bright and neutral white base. The result is flawless colour, enhanced sharpness, detail and clarity.
Exhibition Prints are on 30 x 40 inch (76 x 102 cm) paper with a 5 inch (13 cm) white paper border, mounted on a corrugated aluminum sheet to ensure a smooth, flat surface. Prints are carefully wrapped and shipped flat, ready for framing.
No additional matt is required when framing. We recommend leaving a small space (approx. 1/8-inch) between the print surface and glass.
All Exhibition Prints are signed and stamped. An edition of 100 will be printed of each image using this process and print size.
b) Giclé Prints
13.5 x 20 inch (34 x 50 cm) image size
22 x 28 (56 x 71 cm) finished size with matt
Giclé Prints are produced using the HP DesignJet 90 professional printer and archival pigment-based inks on high-resolution glossy paper. Image size is 13.5 x 20 inches (34 x 50 cm). Prints are corner-mounted and taped on acid-free 100% rag board. Giclé Prints are shipped with a double-thick white matt and are ready for framing.
All prints are signed by the artist and stamped. An edition of 400 of each will be printed using this process and print size.
Production time
All prints will be finished, mounted and shipped via Federal Express two weeks after your deposit is received to allow for processing, printing, mounting and matting. Each print is individually produced.
Payment
A 50% deposit is required with each order, and the remaining 50% payable immediately prior to shipping. Sorry, no C.O.D. orders accepted. You will receive notice of delivery via e-mail once final payment is received.