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The Sources
•
Environmental conditions … paper quality, handling, storage
and framing materials are the primary influences that threaten the
survival of one's significant images over time. Catastrophic events
(floods, fire,…) though less likely can cause extreme
damage, and unfortunately, sometimes permanent loss.
• Poor environmental conditions influenced by temperature
fluctuations, light exposure, and humidity can leave photographs and documents
scattered with mould, faded, brittle, and discolored. Mishaps in handling
result in scratches, tears, and stains. The acidity of poor
quality storage albums and framing materials can migrate to high quality photographs
and documents, causing them to gradually weaken and discolor. For the
traditional photo print, poor quality photo finishing can make light
sensitive photographic papers unstable eventually degrading the image (darkening,
fading, color casts,...).
• Loss of color, colorcasts, fading, stains, scratches, tears, stuck
to glass, disintegrating paper, even insect holes ... the challenges of restoration
and re-creating an image vary greatly in complexity and scope. And, although to the
client the situation might seem hopeless, I advocate never to
give up on an image of importance to you. Digital tools and brushes
in the hands of a talented professional make anything possible.
To
enter our gallery of sample images, click
here...
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The Process
•
Environmental conditions … paper quality, handling, storage
and framing materials are the primary influences that threaten the
survival of one's significant images over time. Catastrophic events
(floods, fire,…) though less likely can cause extreme
damage, and unfortunately, sometimes permanent loss.
• Poor environmental conditions influenced by temperature
fluctuations, light exposure, and humidity can leave photographs and documents
scattered with mould, faded, brittle, and discolored. Mishaps in handling
result in scratches, tears, and stains. The acidity of poor
quality storage albums and framing materials can migrate to high quality photographs
and documents, causing them to gradually weaken and discolor. For the
traditional photo print, poor quality photo finishing can make light
sensitive photographic papers unstable eventually degrading the image (darkening,
fading, color casts,...).
• Loss of color, colorcasts, fading, stains, scratches, tears, stuck
to glass, disintegrating paper, even insect holes ... the challenges of restoration
and re-creating an image vary greatly in complexity and scope. And, although to the
client the situation might seem hopeless, I advocate never to
give up on an image of importance to you. Digital tools and brushes
in the hands of a talented professional make anything possible.
To
enter our gallery of sample images, click
here...
|
 |
The Challenges
• The
centerpiece of my approach goes beyond my artistry
with a digital paintbrush to focusing on the essential component
– the client collaboration.
• This collaboration begins immediately with the discovery phase -
the client is invited to provide their insights and expectations
for a restored image. Often there are heartfelt
“back stories” that bring images to life, contributing
to a deeper understanding the image holds for the client, and what
needs to be achieved for a successful restoration.
• During the analysis phase the image is assessed for
the adverse effects of light, humidity, mould, acidity, improper
handling... consequences of environmental, accidental, or possibly catastrophic
conditions.
• Technical and artistic skill guide digital tools through the restoration process during
which the client continues to collaborate. Feedback to repairs, color, toning,...
is solicited through electronic and/or hard copy proofs. This phase is a critical
component especially with extremely damaged images.
• With the client’s final approval, restored images are printed
on fine, quality archival art papers ensuring a stable future for the work.
• The project concludes with recommendations for storing
and displaying the restored images.... along with conservation framing,
and digital archiving alternatives. |
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