Printing from a digital camera - The Dos and Don'ts for storing photos

Since the introduction of the digital camera, consumers have hailed the convenience and immediacy of their work. Snapping pictures and being able to view them on the camera to determine if a retake is needed, sharing them online within moments of recording images, and producing prints at home without the time involved in filling an entire roll of film, transporting them to the photo lab, and awaiting their development are among the best loved features of the digital camera.

Beyond the convenience of a such a camera however, the question of how well images printed at home would endure the years has been a significant concern. In the early years, the quality of the various types of printers, inks, and paper were much less reliable than the photographic processes used in a photo lab. Many years have passed however and progress has been made in developing more durable materials. Although only time will tell, in today's market, some printer manufacturers tout a life span of 75 to 100 years or longer for prints produced by their printers and materials.

In addition to the ongoing advancements in printer technology and paper/ink quality, home photographers can certainly do much to assure that their grandchildren will be able to enjoy the images that they record on their digital camera today through proper handling.

Materials

Do: Use of a high quality printer designed for printing the photos from a digital camera is recommended of course but quality ink and paper which complement each other helps to assure the longevity of the print that is produced. The best way to assure that the printer, paper, and ink used will work well together is to purchase them from the same manufacturer. The paper selected should be coated and designated specifically for printing photographs.

Don't: Use of some materials in framing, mounting, or matting pictures speeds the demise of the print and should be avoided. For optimum longevity, materials should pass ISO standards for being acid and lignin-free. Corrugated cardboard and PVC coverings are materials to be avoided when working with prints.

Handling

Do: When producing prints at home it is critical to assure that they dry before handling them. They may dry to the touch almost instantly, but it is advisable to allow them several hours before handling, framing, or storing them.

Don't: Prints created at home are particularly susceptible to damage from the oils in a person's skin as well as the abrasion created by touching or brushing against them, therefore minimizing how much these prints are touched can help to reduce degradation of the image.

Display

Light, humidity, contaminants in the air, and exposure to water are other factors that can significantly damage prints. Displaying unprotected, uncovered prints potentially exposes them to all of these factors which can result in an early demise for the images so lovingly captured by the camera.

Do: For display purposes it is wise to place prints in a frame with an anti-UV glass cover or to insert them into a clear protector; although polyvinyl chloride is not a recommended material.

Don't: Displaying prints where they will be directly in the sunlight promotes premature fading and placing them in environments with higher heat and humidity such as in a kitchen or bath can promote fading, blurring, and yellowing.

Storage

Do: Placing prints in an album offers a convenient method of properly storing them as well as labeling and displaying them for future enjoyment. Ideally, the album used should be acid and lignin-free, offer non-PVC page protection, and allow the user to attach prints via corners versus an adhesive.

Don't: Because of the negative effects of light, heat, humidity, and exposure to pollution and water, storage in both attics where temperatures can soar and in basements where humidity and the risk of exposure to water is greater is not recommended. Closets are a better option as it is best to store prints in a cool, dry, dark area.

The conveniences offered by a digital camera are ideal for those wanting to enjoy and share a moment via pictures. For those hoping to use their camera to provide a more lasting record, recent advancements in printing technology would seem to offer the potential of sharing memories captured today with future generations. Home photographers will simply need to use an appropriate camera, printing materials, and assure they follow a few rules when handling their prints to assure they provide a lasting impression.