📸 Pixel to Print – Part 2: Bringing Images to Life – An Interview with June Cook FRPS

Welcome to the second post in our Pixel to Print series, where we showcase the power of printing through the stories of our own club members. This month, we sit down with long-time member June Cook FRPS—a passionate photographer whose printing journey is as inspiring as her imagery.

“A print,” June says with a warm smile, “is a photograph that’s come home.”

👤 A Lifelong Passion for Photographs

June has been a member of our club for over 35 years, but her photographic journey began even earlier.

As a teenager, she lovingly rescued shoeboxes full of family negatives, developing them into 6"x4" prints with the help of the works photographer. Her first camera was a Bakelite Kodak, but the turning point came when she saw a beautifully composed portrait taken by a colleague using a Voigtlander Vitoret D. She was hooked.

That early spark grew into a lifelong pursuit of photographic excellence—culminating in her Fellowship from the Royal Photographic Society in 2005, one of her proudest achievements, alongside winning ‘Best in Show’ at the MCPF Photofolio with a portrait of an Afghan hound.

Though she enjoys many genres, June is especially known for her expressive pet portraits and ability to tell stories through her images.

🖨️ The Start of Her Printing Journey

While June once experimented with traditional Cibachrome printing from slides, it was the arrival of Adobe Photoshop 5 and her first inkjet printer that truly brought her into the world of home printing.

“I remember my first print so clearly—a montage of kittens in baskets. I sat there in awe as my Epson Stylus 1200 slowly rolled it out. Cups of coffee went cold, but I couldn’t look away.”

She started with Permajet Oyster paper and now uses a Canon PIXMA Pro-100S, working primarily with Permajet and Marrutt papers.

Today, she prints for:

·       🏆 Club competitions and exhibitions

·       🖼️ Home decoration

·       🎁 Gifts for friends and family

·       💼 Client sales of her pet portraiture

“But mostly,” she says, “I print for the joy of it.”

🎯 Why Printing Still Matters

In our screen-dominated world, it’s easy to forget the power of the printed image. But for June, printing is essential—and deeply personal.

“Because I’m a control freak!” June jokes. “I’ve never been fully happy with anyone else printing my work.”

Behind the humour is a powerful truth. Printing gives her complete control over how her work is presented and allows her to make images feel finished—tangible, deliberate, and emotionally resonant.

She prints:

·       For competitions, where physical presentation can elevate impact

·       For her clients, where quality and detail matter

·       For her home, where her walls reflect her creative journey

·       For gifts, offering something meaningful and lasting

“Printing gives me control over how my work is seen. It’s not just about accuracy—it’s about emotional impact.”

And while the process hasn’t dramatically changed how she shoots, it has made her more intentional about finishing and presenting her work well. Choosing the right paper, mounting properly, and paying attention to detail are now second nature.

Have there been challenges? Of course. Misaligned mounts, paper profiles gone wrong, printer tantrums—but nothing that ever stopped her.

“The desire to get the print has always been stronger than the obstacles.”

💬 A Print That Moved Others

One moment that stands out was after giving a talk at Smethwick, where a judge and photographic idol of June’s was in the audience.

“The next day, he emailed to say he’d never seen such excellent print quality. That meant the world to me.”

But the most touching moments often happen in private. She recalls people becoming emotional when receiving a print—proof that a well-made photograph can move more than just the maker.

💡 June’s Advice for Club Members

If you’ve never printed your photos before, June has a simple message: Just try.

“Start with an image you love and have it printed—by a lab, or at home if you’re ready. Hold it in your hands. You’ll see your work in a completely new light.”

She recommends:

·       Talking with experienced members

·       Attending workshops (Permajet in Stratford-upon-Avon is a favourite)

·       Sticking to a consistent, manageable range of papers

·       Using original inks

·       Choosing heavier papers (300gsm or more) to avoid rippling or backing issues

And a final practical tip: when taping your print into the mount, be considerate. Make sure it won't damage other prints in a shared competition box!

🧵 Final Thoughts

June’s journey shows that printing is more than output—it’s expression, connection, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re preparing a competition entry or making a gift for someone special, a printed photograph brings your work into the world in a way no screen ever can.

So next time you’re proud of an image, don’t just export it—print it. Mount it. Frame it. Share it.

Bring it home.

🗓️ Coming Next in the Pixel to Print Series: "What to Print?"

Not sure which of your images deserves to be printed? In our next post, we’ll explore how to choose photographs that truly come alive on paper—whether you’re printing your first photo or curating a portfolio.