Technical Information

How a picture is made should not influence how it is regarded, but the nature of what one photographs does influence the choice of equipment and materials. Conversely, the equipment and materials available does tend to influence the choice of subject.

The bulk of the photographs on these pages were made on either 6cm wide roll film, or on 5" x 4" sheet film. The sheet film camera provides opportunities to control the zone of focus which are not available with the smaller roll film formats. However the roll film format means a smaller, more portable camera.

The Prints

These are toned gelatin silver photographs, a class of pictures commonly referred to as 'black and white photographs'. The photographs consist of an acid-free paper base, and a gelatin coating containing toned metallic silver. Care has been taken in the production of these photographs to minimise damage and deterioration. With proper precautions, they should last the lifetime of the original purchaser.

The greatest risk to the photographs is mis-handling and environmental pollutants. Typical environmental risks include prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, smoke (particularly cigarette smoke), prolonged exposure to high humidity, and acidic substances. Most brown paper products, coloured mat boards, and non-archival craft papers are acidic, and should not be used. The photographs are best protected by being kept in a frame or an acid-free polyethylene bag. Should the photographs require re-mounting it is best to consult a professional framer and specify archival acid-free and pH stable mounting materials.