lab prints vs computer prints

I thought I would comment on this blog about a topic I haven't seen covered or explained in any public venue. Since we use photos in our business in creating photo sculptures we explain this issue to prospective customers and they always seem in the dark about it. It's the issue of durability and longevity of computer generated photos.

We strongly recommend when customers provide us with a photo that it be
a lab print...one that is produced in a professional lab as opposed to computer generated. Don't let the term "lab print" scare you. Just about any place that processes film can also make a "lab print".

But, few people actually ask for lab prints...printed the old fashioned traditional way. They aren't aware of the difference and the durability and longevity issues associated with computer prints. And unfortunately, I don't know of any retail outlet that clarifies how the prints you receive were produced or the risks involved with computer generated photos.

It seems the "Average Joe" looks at the convenience and speed of computer generated photos and they don't think about the quality until weeks or months later (if that long!) when they see the picture fading or change color or sustain permanent damage.

With computer generated photos the image is printed on the surface of the paper. You get a photo and you get it quick but the photo is at risk of damage because that image is at the surface. More prone to scratches, fingerprints, color fading from UV rays and especially moisture damage. Just a drop of water or any liquid will ruin the photo, leaving a permanent white spot where the ink has been washed away.

With lab prints the image is imbedded in the emulsion of the paper...into the grain. Therefore, not as susceptible to damage. All photos, if not kept from some environmental hazards like sunlight, chemicals, sharp objects etc. can sustain damage with time. But, if taken care of properly, lab prints will last for many years to come. If they get wet, simply let them dry untouched and they will usually be okay.

On our website we explain the differences and when a customer is wanting the speed and convenience of sending us an image via e-mail that we print by computer, we explain it again. To reduce or curb damage we apply a protective sealant to the photos we print by computer. The sealant repels moisture, reduces scratch & fingerprint risks and eliminates UV damage risk. It's the best protection that can be applied, and works well with our process, that we've found.

It adds an expense (that we absorb) and a step/time to our process of creating photo sculptures, but we think it's the right thing to do considering people are spending money for us to make something very personalized for them...often times with a photo that is very sentimental, emotional and important to them.

For more information you can check-out this informational page at our website...
http://www.funfotos.com/faq.html