Since its inception in 2003, the Beyond project has focused on optimizing a methodology by which digital images originally transmitted across interplanetary space are converted from their original raw data files into fine art chromogenic photographic prints. Produced by Kinetikon Pictures in a leading photo lab in North-Eastern Italy using a Durst Lambda process, these prints are issued in limited editions and have been displayed in numerous exhibitions internationally. They have also been acquired by both museums and private collectors.

Through use of contemporary image processing software, raw data from planetary science databases can be utilized to create seamless images with extraordinarily high detail, contrast and print quality. Most of these pictures were retrieved by Benson from deep archives containing tens or even hundreds of thousands of images sent to Earth by five decades of space probe missions; many have never been seen by the public before. Others were taken in already processed form from NASA or ESA (European Space Agency) or JAXA (Japanese Space Agency) sites, and then further optimized and refined for fine arts print production. They are printed on traditional analog photographic paper, producing C-type prints. Dimensions of the prints are in response to the optimal print quality obtainable given the size of the source file. Extensive testing was conducted to determine the best ratio of image dimensions to image quality.

For a PDF with editions and pricing, click on the link below. For more on the pictures and procedure behind them, write kinetikonpictures@yahoo.com or see About the Photographs.