Making Your Photos Last Why do we take photographs? At its most basic, photography is a way to hold time still; it can be used to pick a specific moment and immortalize it, capturing the memory forever.
For that very reason, when we decide on a medium on which to print our photographs, it is extremely important that our choice is up to standing the test of time.
In 100 years, your print should look exactly the way it did the first time you admiringly held it up to the light.
At the same time, photographs are meant to be admired; you don't take an incredible photo only to have it languish in a drawer, hidden from view.
Unfortunately, sunlight, fingerprints, and stains can all have a negative impact on the masterpiece you create.
Others hang their prints in bathrooms, where high humidity can damage photographs over a long period of time.
Thus, when you consider spending money to have your photograph professionally printed, it's important to choose a product that will last.
Once you've decided that longevity is of the utmost concern, the next step is in exploring which printing option will satisfy your needs.
Many people find that the medium that best preserves their photographs is printing on canvas.
Many photographers use Display Permanence Rankings when deciding on a medium.
This process was pioneered by Wilhelm Imaging Research Inc.
, and has become the industry standard.
Display Permanence Rankings are designed to give the consumer an idea of the length of time a print will last.
This company provides an independent, third-party analysis of different printing techniques.
Because they aren't producing (or selling) anything, they provide unbiased reviews.
When Wilhelm tests a new medium for display permanence, the process is extremely intensive.
The company tests for factors such as light-fastness, humidity-fastness, and ozone-fastness.
Essentially, Wilhelm seeks to replicate the conditions prints will be subjected to over the course of a long period of time.
During these tests, the environment remains constant, with 12 hours of light a day at an exposure brightness of 450 Lux.
The temperature remains 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with 60% humidity.
This situation is quite close to what one can expect out of everyday conditions in the home.
Wilhelm Imaging Research Inc's third-party, objective analysis of printing on canvas has confirmed it to be one of the most durable mediums for preserving precious memories.
The combination of quality inks, canvas, printer and sealer result in great prints that last anywhere from 60 to 140 years.
At the same time, it's important to realize that these rankings are mere generalities, and do not take into account the variables that will affect your specific print.
The way you preserve photographs within your home will ultimately determine how long the prints will last.
By taking precautions like placing photographs on canvas away from direct sunlight and high humidity, you'll ensure that they will be able to be enjoyed for generations to come.
Before you can even take on this responsibility, however, your print on canvas must first be created.
What's the point of being extremely careful with your print if the company that produced it did not do it according to specifications? Considering that production will be out of the consumer's hands, it is even more important that the print professional is an industry leader.
That is why it's very important to choose a print professional that uses quality materials such as archival canvas.
This canvas should outlast the ink that is printed on it, and the consumer should expect a guarantee stating this.
Accordingly, the ink should also be archival quality, with the industry standard Epson Ultra Chrome K3(TM) inks serving as a guide.
The last step is the sealer.
This combination of chemicals protects the print from ozone, as well as harmful UV rays.
According to industry standards, the sealer should be water-resistant, if not waterproof.
Under testing, the highest quality sealers can withstand a full ten-second barrage from a faucet! Amazingly, the water simply beads off, with no visible damage to the print itself.
When using quality materials and a high degree of workmanship, a company should truthfully be able tell a customer that their photo print on canvas will last for up to one hundred years under reasonable conditions.
Aren't our memories worth the extra expense? Next time you take a photograph that deserves preservation for your grandchildren's admiration, consider sending away for a canvas print.
It's sure to stand the test of time.
For that very reason, when we decide on a medium on which to print our photographs, it is extremely important that our choice is up to standing the test of time.
In 100 years, your print should look exactly the way it did the first time you admiringly held it up to the light.
At the same time, photographs are meant to be admired; you don't take an incredible photo only to have it languish in a drawer, hidden from view.
Unfortunately, sunlight, fingerprints, and stains can all have a negative impact on the masterpiece you create.
Others hang their prints in bathrooms, where high humidity can damage photographs over a long period of time.
Thus, when you consider spending money to have your photograph professionally printed, it's important to choose a product that will last.
Once you've decided that longevity is of the utmost concern, the next step is in exploring which printing option will satisfy your needs.
Many people find that the medium that best preserves their photographs is printing on canvas.
Many photographers use Display Permanence Rankings when deciding on a medium.
This process was pioneered by Wilhelm Imaging Research Inc.
, and has become the industry standard.
Display Permanence Rankings are designed to give the consumer an idea of the length of time a print will last.
This company provides an independent, third-party analysis of different printing techniques.
Because they aren't producing (or selling) anything, they provide unbiased reviews.
When Wilhelm tests a new medium for display permanence, the process is extremely intensive.
The company tests for factors such as light-fastness, humidity-fastness, and ozone-fastness.
Essentially, Wilhelm seeks to replicate the conditions prints will be subjected to over the course of a long period of time.
During these tests, the environment remains constant, with 12 hours of light a day at an exposure brightness of 450 Lux.
The temperature remains 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with 60% humidity.
This situation is quite close to what one can expect out of everyday conditions in the home.
Wilhelm Imaging Research Inc's third-party, objective analysis of printing on canvas has confirmed it to be one of the most durable mediums for preserving precious memories.
The combination of quality inks, canvas, printer and sealer result in great prints that last anywhere from 60 to 140 years.
At the same time, it's important to realize that these rankings are mere generalities, and do not take into account the variables that will affect your specific print.
The way you preserve photographs within your home will ultimately determine how long the prints will last.
By taking precautions like placing photographs on canvas away from direct sunlight and high humidity, you'll ensure that they will be able to be enjoyed for generations to come.
Before you can even take on this responsibility, however, your print on canvas must first be created.
What's the point of being extremely careful with your print if the company that produced it did not do it according to specifications? Considering that production will be out of the consumer's hands, it is even more important that the print professional is an industry leader.
That is why it's very important to choose a print professional that uses quality materials such as archival canvas.
This canvas should outlast the ink that is printed on it, and the consumer should expect a guarantee stating this.
Accordingly, the ink should also be archival quality, with the industry standard Epson Ultra Chrome K3(TM) inks serving as a guide.
The last step is the sealer.
This combination of chemicals protects the print from ozone, as well as harmful UV rays.
According to industry standards, the sealer should be water-resistant, if not waterproof.
Under testing, the highest quality sealers can withstand a full ten-second barrage from a faucet! Amazingly, the water simply beads off, with no visible damage to the print itself.
When using quality materials and a high degree of workmanship, a company should truthfully be able tell a customer that their photo print on canvas will last for up to one hundred years under reasonable conditions.
Aren't our memories worth the extra expense? Next time you take a photograph that deserves preservation for your grandchildren's admiration, consider sending away for a canvas print.
It's sure to stand the test of time.
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