| Since the introduction of the digital camera, consumers | | | | storing them. |
| have hailed the convenience and immediacy of their | | | | Don't: Prints created at home are particularly |
| work. Snapping pictures and being able to view them | | | | susceptible to damage from the oils in a person's skin |
| on the camera to determine if a retake is needed, | | | | as well as the abrasion created by touching or |
| sharing them online within moments of recording | | | | brushing against them, therefore minimizing how much |
| images, and producing prints at home without the time | | | | these prints are touched can help to reduce |
| involved in filling an entire roll of film, transporting them | | | | degradation of the image. |
| to the photo lab, and awaiting their development are | | | | Display |
| among the best loved features of the digital camera. | | | | Light, humidity, contaminants in the air, and exposure to |
| Beyond the convenience of a such a camera | | | | water are other factors that can significantly damage |
| however, the question of how well images printed at | | | | prints. Displaying unprotected, uncovered prints |
| home would endure the years has been a significant | | | | potentially exposes them to all of these factors which |
| concern. In the early years, the quality of the various | | | | can result in an early demise for the images so lovingly |
| types of printers, inks, and paper were much less | | | | captured by the camera. |
| reliable than the photographic processes used in a | | | | Do: For display purposes it is wise to place prints in a |
| photo lab. Many years have passed however and | | | | frame with an anti-UV glass cover or to insert them |
| progress has been made in developing more durable | | | | into a clear protector; although polyvinyl chloride is not |
| materials. Although only time will tell, in today's market, | | | | a recommended material. |
| some printer manufacturers tout a life span of 75 to | | | | Don't: Displaying prints where they will be directly in the |
| 100 years or longer for prints produced by their printers | | | | sunlight promotes premature fading and placing them in |
| and materials. | | | | environments with higher heat and humidity such as in |
| In addition to the ongoing advancements in printer | | | | a kitchen or bath can promote fading, blurring, and |
| technology and paper/ink quality, home photographers | | | | yellowing. |
| can certainly do much to assure that their | | | | Storage |
| grandchildren will be able to enjoy the images that they | | | | Do: Placing prints in an album offers a convenient |
| record on their digital camera today through proper | | | | method of properly storing them as well as labeling |
| handling. | | | | and displaying them for future enjoyment. Ideally, the |
| Materials | | | | album used should be acid and lignin-free, offer |
| Do: Use of a high quality printer designed for printing | | | | non-PVC page protection, and allow the user to attach |
| the photos from a digital camera is recommended of | | | | prints via corners versus an adhesive. |
| course but quality ink and paper which complement | | | | Don't: Because of the negative effects of light, heat, |
| each other helps to assure the longevity of the print | | | | humidity, and exposure to pollution and water, storage |
| that is produced. The best way to assure that the | | | | in both attics where temperatures can soar and in |
| printer, paper, and ink used will work well together is to | | | | basements where humidity and the risk of exposure to |
| purchase them from the same manufacturer. The | | | | water is greater is not recommended. Closets are a |
| paper selected should be coated and designated | | | | better option as it is best to store prints in a cool, dry, |
| specifically for printing photographs. | | | | dark area. |
| Don't: Use of some materials in framing, mounting, or | | | | The conveniences offered by a digital camera are |
| matting pictures speeds the demise of the print and | | | | ideal for those wanting to enjoy and share a moment |
| should be avoided. For optimum longevity, materials | | | | via pictures. For those hoping to use their camera to |
| should pass ISO standards for being acid and | | | | provide a more lasting record, recent advancements in |
| lignin-free. Corrugated cardboard and PVC coverings | | | | printing technology would seem to offer the potential |
| are materials to be avoided when working with prints. | | | | of sharing memories captured today with future |
| Handling | | | | generations. Home photographers will simply need to |
| Do: When producing prints at home it is critical to | | | | use an appropriate camera, printing materials, and |
| assure that they dry before handling them. They may | | | | assure they follow a few rules when handling their |
| dry to the touch almost instantly, but it is advisable to | | | | prints to assure they provide a lasting impression. |
| allow them several hours before handling, framing, or | | | | |