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FAQ's
What is a Fibre Base photograph?
The fibre-based (FB) technique uses real paper, compared to the resin-coated technique (RC) which employs a plastic base. All common colour photographs, for example, are produced with the RC Based. Colour photography brought the RC paper into fashion, being a much faster and cheaper process. However the quality of RC photos is inferior to FB, as is their longevity, the image deteriorating more rapidly with the passage of time. For example, a bubble jet image starts to fade around two months, a RC colour photo around 5-20 years and a RC black & white image should last 20 years, whereas a FB black & white image has a lifetime in excess of one hundred years. The processing of colour versus black & white photos varies extensively. Most photographs are automatically machine processed, particularly colour prints, where small refinements are made to the achieve the correct colour. Some black & white photos, in contrast, are hand printed to create a certain mood for the subject, giving a specialist touch. FB photos display the ultimate in creative photography. The materials are carefully selected to achieve an individual art piece, which is unique and enduring. A toning process can be applied to FB photos, such as sepia, selenium and gold tones, which subtly transforms the silver of the image and improves the archival quality of the print.
What happens to the negatives?
I have a policy of keeping the negatives of all my work. The reasons for this are that they are valuable to me & that they can be safely chronicled for future reference and stored under protective conditions to prevent any deterioration in their quality. In this way I can offer you future access and a reorder service for the next 30 years or more.
What coast are involved?
Each photo shoot is designed with your special requirements in mind. Prices will be charged accordingly. Be outrageous or as sultry (kids fun) and sensual as you like and we will create something exceptional. All photo shoots are preferably conducted under natural conditions or with available light. A rental fee will apply for studio lighting. For on location or special assignment an assistant's fee may be charged.
How do you preserve those superb FB photographs?
The life of a photograph depends on the care and handling it will receive. Here are some tips that will help you preserve your photographs. The best way to ensure proper display is to frame the photograph in an “acid free” environment. Your picture framer should be able to help you arrange this. The mount and the backing board should both be acid free. In choosing the type of glass you will need to make sure that the photograph does not contact the glass as it has liquid properties that will cause it to melt into the photograph with time. Avoid direct exposure of your photographs to all types of light, especially sunlight and halogen lamps, which will cause fading of the image. A good idea is to use a north-facing wall. High temperature also accelerates the ageing process and humidity can reduce the chemical stability of the photograph. The oil on your fingers is acidic and may cause damage to prints over time, as is the case with most glues and inks. I recommend a dry mount to avoid the use of glues and solvents; however this is a permanent and irreversible process, so choose your framing carefully (digital jet prints can NOT be dry mounted). For optimum presentation of your photographs you need to consider different types of ~ mount, glass and framing material. There are a variety of shades of white mount board ~ find one which matches the toning of the photograph. I recommend a 2” mount around the photograph with 2.5” below it. There are three type of glass ~ I do not recommend either clear “normal” glass or anti-glare glass, but rather “Reflection Control Tru Vue” which is clear on one side and anti-glare on the other, since it gives the best clarity without reflection. When it comes to the frame, either wood or aluminium may be chosen, depending upon the style of your house. If the photograph is likely to be exposed to dust it is best to select a wooden frame, which will be properly sealed. To prevent mold collecting on a frame hung on a wall a 1 cm square of felt can be attached to each corner at the back of the frame to separate it from the wall for ventilation. All my framing is done at ATOS, 152 Old Pittwater Rd, phone 02 9905 4745.