TECHNICAL NOTES

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In my digital darkroom, I use an HP 1090n computer (Pentium 4/560 processor, 2 GB ram, with two large hard drives and backup software), and a LaCie calibrated monitor (GretagMacbeth Eye-One). I print on an Epson Stylus Pro 4000 using Epson UltraChrome inks and Epson papers -- Premium Luster, Premium Semimatte, and Enhanced Matte -- I have found that I presently prefer Enhanced Matte. When I print I use the appropriate Epson profiles and print at the highest resolution available (either 1440 or 2880 dpi).

Prints are triple sprayed with Premier Art Print Shield (a U.V., water resistant lacquer). According to research done by Henry Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc., prints made using Epson UltraChrome inks and the papers I use should be fade and color cast resistant from 67 to 76 years (depending on exact paper type) if framed under glass and kept out of direct sunlight. Additional preliminary research by Wilhelm indicates that the use of Premier Art Print Shield significantly prolongs print life even more.

When I started this "new career" I had in mind making photographic presentations that could hang on a wall and I could say, "I made that!" To accomplish this I have learned how to mat and frame my photographs. The Mattes are museum quality 100% cotton rag/acid free/buffered four ply board. All mounting and hinging tapes are archival quality and I have recently begun using acid free foam core and archival backing paper. I size and cut my own mats on a Fletcher 2100 Professional mat cutter.

In the framing process, the matted photograph is taped to a 1/8 inch thick clear plexiglass light to form an airtight package. This package is then fixed in the frame using framer's points and a paper backing and mounting hardware and wire are attached. All frames are made to order using quality woods and finishes.