Photographic print signing

[Sandy1]

Hi,

I made a quick call to the local Museum, which has a considerable photo Archive. The response follows:

after salutations:

 

... There are a few options, mostly what you are looking for is a pigment (usually carbon) based ink, pigments don’t fade as quickly as most dyes do. You can use a dip pen and India ink but you need to be careful of smudging, as it can take a few days to dry fully. There are other commercially available options that are more convenient, the pen that we usually suggest is a Pigma Micron pen available at most art supply or stationary places. They have been tested in artificial aging tests many times and always prove very fade resistant and not likely to eat into the paper or cause other damage. They come in different thicknesses so you can choose one that you like. Sharpies are also very permanent but they can sometimes wick or spread over time depending on the substrate (especially vinyl). As for signing conventions, I am not certain of any official stance on it but usually I have seen the Artists signature and date in the lower right with title to the left.

 

I hope this helps if you have any other questions please feel free to contact me.

 

Lee

 

 

[xles]

I'm not sure why it's more egotistical or rude for a photographer to sign the front of a photo than it is for a painter or printmaker to put their signature on the front.

 

Just my personal opinion in the matter is all. Not enough ego perhaps.

 

I forget there are people who still have access to Black & White photo processing labs. I assumed you were talking about modern color and digital printing. It has been over twenty years since I have had access to a place where I could print black & white. I don't even buy the film anymore. My Toyo 4x5 sits quietly in its case and never gets a work out. . .

 

Oh most certainly, there are a great deal of, amateur and professional, photographers that do shoot on film, both colour and black & white. I'll admit that black & white is probably more popular among the amateur photographers with their own dark room because of the relative ease of processing compared to colour prints and films.

Also, +1 on digging that 4x5 out of the closet and start using it (again)! There's not much that beats large format film photography.

 

(By the way, it should be noted that most modern "digital" processing labs do use real photographic paper these days and high resolution laser projectors to "paint" on the paper, as it were. Same technology as used in motion picture film printers since the '80s-ish, albeit until the advent of the true blue laser diode, they were CRT based. A bit OT, but there ya go.)

 

I made a quick call to the local Museum, which has a considerable photo Archive.

 

Most excellent information! Why didn't I think of calling a museum, they should know this kind of stuff!

 

I yet again feel the need to thank you all for the amazing replies in this matter.