planning a wedding? relax....it's just a party!: November 2006

11.21.2006

making those important photos last!

We all can agree that our stories are in our photographs. Do you remember looking at the wedding albums of your parents and your grandparents? No matter how you have your imagery done, wether it is digital or film, it will only be in prints that your memories wil be available to you and those you love for 75 or more years. CD's and DVD's are not being recommended by most experts as a final storage medium.

Prints that are stored in archival albums, boxes or framed in UV resistant glass will last 100 years or more. Explore silver gelatin fiber prints like your grandparents may have had - these have been known to last 200 years! If your photographs are digital, you may have your images printed with the newer pigment inks on archival alpha-cellulose or cotton rag papers. You might even own such a printer yourself - or this can be done at a professional lab. These generally last about 100 years and you can choose color OR black and white! Resin coated photo prints can last for about 75 years if kept out of sunlight... these are found at most photo stores.

Even though their purpose is to protect your valued prints, there are many beautiful albums and boxes available to you. Just look for the word " archival" in the description of the materials used. To place your photos in your archival album, look for archival corners, tabs, tape or glue. For your box, you may consdier mats made from archival mat board. When framing, use UV resistant glass.

Make your photos to last and you will have your memories and stories for yours to come!

- Alice Garik , photographer.

www.alicegarik.com

11.08.2006