Printing Green

The first time you see your wedding photographs is an extremely exciting time! You will re-experience moments and see things you didn't even know happened on your wedding day. These photographs are one of the most valuable things you will have for the rest of your life. So now what? How do you responsibly print, preserve and enjoy these amazing images?

Store Images Carefully
If you received your image on a disk, back them up! Disks are only rated to last 5-7 years, and backing up to a hard-drive is preferably because

• It's reusable.
• It has a longer shelf life (11-15 years)
• It's recoverable if the drive is damaged, but data may be intact.

Also consider that disk such as CDs and DVDs are e-waste and should be recycled. The CD recycling Center recycles CDs for free!

Archive
An image is not archived until it is printed. Your photographer should help you print with a plan based on the following questions: Where are you going to hang them? What size and orientation? What other images could go together to turn your wall into a gallery? How will you frame these photos?

Print on Fiber Paper
Most photographs are printed on plastic, but this process is done with chemicals - yuck! Plastic cannot be recycled and will not last as long as natural fibers. In general, natural fiber prints have a much smaller chemical footprint. Examples include cotton, hemp, bamboo, canvas, etc. Many labs call these "giclee" prints. Ask your photographer for a "giclee" on cotton rag, they should help you.

Image Courtesy of Authentic Eye Photography

Frame, frame, frame!
Frames don't just look, good they increase the longevity of your images. There are recycled frames made from reclaimed wood available- ask your photographer about these options. Images should be matted in the frame on acid-free mat board to prevent the photo from sticking to the glass. Light, heat and moisture are your photos enemies. Frames protect your photographs from these guys.

Make an Album
Albums are the best way to protect, preserve and enjoy your wedding photographs. Archival albums will last 200 + years. An album will hold all of your favorite photos rather then just hanging a selection on your wall. Ask your photographer for an album that is:

• Manufactured domestically
• Natural fiber covers such as canvas, hemp, silk, etc.
• Shipped by ground
• Archival glues
• Acid-free paper

Image Courtesy of Authentic Eye Photography

The key to getting many of the best and lowest impact photographic products is to utilize the expertise of your professional photographer.  Wedding photographers certified by greener photography will be able to guide you through this process and make this stuff easy.  If there is anything to invest in after your wedding, it is in printing these memories in a way that will last many lifetimes.  So few things are truly heirloom items, your wedding photographs are something your great grand children will want to see.  If you have any further questions about printing and protecting feel free to contact the GP office for more information.

Thanks for reading and have a wonderful time printing and displaying your wedding photographs!!

Written By Thea Dodds

Thea runs Authentic Eye Photography in New Hampshire, and co-founder of Greener Photography.