Analog Photography: The Art of Creating Timeless Images – Proof and Commitment
Prints That Defy Time For over 40 years, my analog photographs on Ilford baryta paper have withstood the test of time without alteration, whereas digital prints fade or discolor within a few decades. Here is a concrete example that illustrates this longevity:
In 1982, I created a series of black and white prints on Ilford baryta paper, which were exposed to natural light in my studio for nearly 20 years. Today, these images have suffered no degradation: the blacks remain deep, the whites pure, and the shades of gray retain all their subtlety. By comparison, digital prints from the same period, even framed under glass, exhibit yellowing, loss of contrast, and irreversible discoloration.
Why such longevity?
The stability of Ilford baryta paper: This paper, used by the world's leading museums, is designed to last over 100 years under normal storage conditions. Its barium coating protects the image from UV radiation and oxidation, unlike digital inks which degrade in 10 to 20 years.
A mastered artisanal process: Each print is developed and fixed by hand, using chemical baths recycled at a specialized waste management facility (no waste is discharged into the sewers). The negatives, stored under optimal conditions, allow for faithful reproduction of the original prints, even decades later.
Tangible proof
Example 1: A series of landscapes printed in 1985, stored in standard archival boxes, have remained unchanged over the years.
Example 2: Portraits displayed in galleries, protected by UV-resistant glass, have retained their original brilliance since their creation.
Silver film vs. digital Digital: An Undeniable Fact
| Criteria: | Analog (Ilford baryta paper) | Digital (inkjet print) |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan: | Over 100 years (without alteration) | 10-20 years (fading, yellowing) |
| UV Resistance: | Excellent (protective barium) | Poor (sensitive inks) |
| Tonal Stability: | Unalterable (deep blacks, rich grays) | Gradual degradation |
| Collection Value: | Unique, numbered piece (1/30) | Infinitely reproducible |
A Commitment to the Future
Each print I make is numbered (1/30), signed, and certified, guaranteeing its authenticity and rarity. By choosing analog, I create works intended to be passed down, as evidenced by my prints from the 1980s, which remain as vibrant as ever.
For collectors and galleries: My photographs are not just images, but works of art. enduring, designed to transcend time without losing their power. Each acquisition is an investment in a work destined to last.
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