Testimonials

Dear Andreas, there has been some activity lately. A small flurry of excitement in the halls for the National Geographic Society, at its Explorer’s Hall. The Joubert, Big Cat Exhibition opened this month to consistent and growing positive reviews like a wonderful wave of appreciation. That appreciation is not only for Beverly’s fine images, or only of the eyes of the big cats that stare back at you, but for the overall package. So it deserves some explanation of exactly what that package is, for anyone who may want to read this. It has also set me to consider the fine line between art and what is not considered art. It began with a visit to Silvertone’s offices in South Africa, where an old friend and associate, Andreas Kahlau, took a long hard look at a selection of images, nodding quietly. Then at last a pronouncement that you don’t even ask for from a regular printer or setter, ’these are good!’ So as a first level of service at Silvertone you get an opinion, an honest one at that. Beverly’s eyebrows climbed up her forehead a notch when that announcement included a 'this one lets the portfolio down a little in my opinion', but while that image stayed a round or two longer I notice it did not make it into her final selection! Next is a meticulous series of tests on different papers to determine the way the light falls over the image and if the slicker Textured Fine Art Paper brings the deep colours out too much or whether the more absorbent Fabriano takes that edge off and leaves a rounded colour palette. Back and forth, test, select, test again, blow up, less gamma, more density, more luminance… Once we got a call from Andreas saying that some unique combination of papers and colour gave us a look that none of us expected, but… 'you know I like it!' We went in and looked down at a print that took our breath away. In any other shop, this would not have been printed. It would not have passed that first 5 x 7 test, and we would never have had a call to come and see a full-sized experiment. This only happens because Silvertone becomes your partner, a creative partner if you allow it. If you want a full-colour glossy print, you really want to go somewhere else, I get the impression that kind of printing turns their stomachs. The work is an interesting blend between precise detail and artistic collaboration, which if you think about it, is a realm very few succeed in. You are either precise and detailed as a personality, or creative, by stereotype, but Silvertone defies stereotypes, or stereos in general it seems. I see a vinyl record player in the lab, which should be un-noteworthy, but it is in a way indicative of what Silvertone is about. It is, as a company, an association of individuals, a specialist in a handmade ethic that was more prevalent in the days of those vinyl records even though they were plastic and mass-produced. They were gritty and had a texture in a way that seems more honest than merely recreating reality, in the same way as Silvertone looks at photography; an art form beyond the easy route, beyond that simple recreation of reality in a snapshot. This journey has to be hard, filled with experimentation and some mistakes because somehow I believe that all of those steps walk with you like silent and invisible warriors in this fight against mediocrity. Silvertone is an enemy of mediocrity.

Andreas is the consummate German perfectionist behind a computer. I know that I can give him an untouched raw file and based on a brief conversation; he will produce something beyond my ability to imagine in my own work. A great retoucher, he is capable of bringing out detail which I did not realize was there. It is like seeing the photograph all over again. A great retoucher takes your work to another level, they are not just technicians, they see what you are trying to communicate and use their skills to enhance that. Beyond their technical skills, Andreas and his team really listen to you. This is a bespoke service, not a drop-off shop that wants the work out the door as quickly as possible. They are concerned with their reputation for consistent quality. As a result, everything is beautifully done and you come away from the experience feeling like you have found collaborators. In a world of apathetic operators, they are a breath of fresh air.

Silvertone has been printing for me for the past couple of years. The quality of their work is of an extremely high standard. They are efficient, accurate with colour reproduction and use quality paper & printing products. It is extremely important to me as an artist that I can trust Silvertone to do my limited print editions. Silvertone has an exceptional reputation amongst my peers for being the most reputable art printing facility in Johannesburg.

Everything Andreas Kahlau executes is done with 1st World skill and quality.

I could print my digital work myself, it’s cheaper, but I don’t! Why not? Because then I wouldn’t get all the advice, knowledge, support and cups of good coffee I get from Andreas at Silvertone. All photographers (especially 'professionals') need unbiased mentorship and good advice born out of years of experience. It’s how we get better at what we do. And that’s what you really get at Silvertone!

Silvertone is of international quality and rivals any professional lab in Europe or America. Digitally, with Andreas, one is assured of the highest quality in prints and colour grading.

I have been relying on Adreas’ expertise and advice for more than 2 decades. His services and reliability are unsurpassed.

You are the best BEST ever! – you are amazing printers! Andreas, you are my hero! – a complete book in one day!! – no reprints all just stunning! Thank You!

I have been a satisfied customer of Silvertone, and Andreas Kahlau in particular, for well over a decade. Outstanding reproduction, image enhancement and printing. Excellent service, and deadlines always met.

I’ve been with Silvertone for many years and the scans and prints have unfailingly been of an outstanding quality, absolutely state of the art. The service is fast, efficient and always accommodating. In short, this laboratory is top of the range; I wouldn’t go anywhere else.

Even though I am based for part of the year in Europe I continue to use Silvertone printing services which are a match in quality and price for anyone in Europe or the States. I recommend Adreas Kahlau and Silvertone to any photographer or company in South Africa or abroad that is looking for high quality and professionalism in the art of printing.

Silvertone International has been our first choice for fine art printing, hands down. The interpretation of the image, as well as the customer focus by the team at Silvertone has been extraordinarily helpful. Every image in our books, as well as each fine art print, goes through Silvertone before release. The quality of the prints on each substrate is second to none.

It has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to work with Silvertone. I can not recommend their services strongly enough. Andreas and his team are passionate professionals whose dedication and expertise are sure to fulfil a photographer or artist’s individual needs.

Silvertone has been doing our printing for the last 15 years and they have always done the most amazing job. Would highly recommend them!

We only work with Silvertone as they put as much passion into their work, as we put into ours. Photography is a lot more than just shooting with the highest quality equipment, so we only work with Silvertone as they are a lot more than just the highest quality printers.

Silvertone has always gone the extra mile for me in trying to achieve the best possible print, always friendly, always professional, and always wanting the best. Thanks to Andreas and Frank.

I have been a satisfied client of Silvertone for over a decade. Their dedication, professionalism, quality of work and commitment to excellence is what keeps me as a client. Under Andreas’ leadership, the team is devoted to providing the best service possible. I was honoured and privileged to have Silvertone do the printing for my photography exhibition, and the success of the show was a tremendous reflection of Silvertone’s painstaking attention to detail and superior technical expertise. Silvertone is exceptional, and I strongly recommend them to anyone seeking to have printing done that is meticulous as well as brilliant.

Silvertone and Andreas Kahlau are responsible for the scanning and grading of my negatives and for producing digital prints for my exhibitions. The quality of these prints is so superb that many specialists can hardly see the difference between these and the Silver hand print.

I’m an artist and photographer and working with Andreas at Silvertone has been a unique experience for me. They combine extraordinary levels of cutting-edge digital printing knowledge and technical skill with a deeply human and personal investment in the success and beauty of whichever project it is that you bring to them. Working with them is always a collaboration because as an artist, I often bring them unconventional printing needs. I continue to be struck by their patience and generosity as they work out how best to get the job done for me. A calm, peaceful and professional atmosphere pervades their printshop at all times and this too seems to be a part of their admirable work ethos.

I have all of my Fine Art Prints made at Silvertone International where Andreas and his team consistently deliver superb quality prints together with great service. I also use Silvertone for high-end scanning, grading and proofing of film images for my prints and calendars.

For the last couple of years, Silvertone has been solely responsible for the entire production side of my business – processing of film and contacts, digital A0 proofs and finally through to the 800mm by 800mm silver hand prints – the process is an absolute pleasure! Being based in Cape Town and Silvertone in Johannesburg could not be easier as Andreas and his team are brilliant at letting me know a film has arrived and the status of my work. They communicate well with each other so my work is never lost in the system. It frees me up to work confident that production is in the safest of hands and in 5 years I have never had a lost or damaged roll of film, nor a print. I leave my negs in their storage, collect selected silver prints and digital proofs en route to present work in Europe and for every five meetings I have – four dealers will always say the printing is unbelievable and ask who does my printing!! Silvertone is an integral business partner in my work and the ease to work with them have made them into close friends too. I feel so secure with them involved in my work and if I ever leave Cape Town I will still use them because they make distance easy. Thanks guys!

Silvertone has become synonymous with photographic art. Andreas has been a mentor to the photographic community for a long time. His knowledge and guidance have helped amateurs and professionals along the road to success. My personal experience began a few years ago as a very enthusiastic amateur eager to jump into the void of professionalism. Through the mentorship of Silvertone, a self-realization of the learning curve I would have to endure before I could contemplate that path. It is only now that I feel confident to begin this journey. And I know whatever it may bring that help and advice are always on hand thanks to Silvertone. Long may their business continue for the photographic community would be poorer without them. And their invaluable knowledge would be lost to future generations of eager photographers.

Outstanding quality, an eye for detail, and friendly service with their leader Andreas Kahlau are what make Silverstone International! It is a pleasure to deal with professionals.

After 5 years of printing with Andreas, it seems like he can actually see into my mind. He not only understands my vision but can interpret that vision into printed matter that is as vibrant as the day I took that picture. He is willing to experiment with paper and ink until we get a final product that I proudly exhibit anywhere in the world. I only print Single Editions, which makes their attention to detail and willingness to create only the most beautiful works of art, absolutely priceless, and a valued partner in my artistic career.

I’m a travelling photojournalist, mostly working in Zambia in the bush. I often need to have fine art images printed and delivered internationally. I send high res images to Silvertone knowing that they have the knowledge and understanding of my work which is then printed to the highest standard. The team at Silvertone, print, package and posts my images professionally and punctually to my clients. Whenever I am ‘in town’ I pop in to Silvertone and what should be a 10-minute visit soon turns into a creative brainstorming session. I always leave feeling enriched by their professionalism, technical knowledge, and aesthetic values which inspire me with a vision to get back out there and Photograph. Thanks for doing such a great job!

Having worked very closely with Silvertone for the past couple of years, I have found them to be an invaluable partner in producing fine prints and scans for clients. Their very knowledgeable and helpful staff provides excellent advice and fast, high-quality products, even on the tightest deadlines. I have continued using their services since moving to Cape Town recently, and have found them to be as capable of providing the best services at a distance, as they are when you can just pop in from around the corner. I would highly recommend them to anyone requiring the best printing and scanning available!

Wow! Unbelievable! Incredible! Spectacular, Awesome, Stunning, Magnificent! What a great product. I could not be happier.

Over many years you have printed some beautiful pieces for me, but you have surpassed your own high standards with your printing of my exhibition 12 Naked Men. These prints ( 143.5 x 110 cm.), have a tonal range, a delicacy, and brilliance that I have rarely seen. Thank you for contributing to the success of this show.