But the photos we are all most concerned about aren’t quite that old! We’re speaking of photos aged from around 1936, that’s when Kodachrome film for 35mm slides was introduced, to near 1990 – these are the photos that are most susceptible. 

These photos were printed using a number of different variations on what is called a chromogenic process. That simply means that the surface on which the print is made does not already contain the dyes necessary to make the colors required. So that, the process relied on checmical reactions to develop the dyes while the processing was happening. And it is the combination of dyes — typically, cyan (blue), magenta (red), and yellow — that creates the final colors we see in a color photo.

Fading is reality:

Unfortunately, these dyes — that is, these chemical reactions — are inherently unstable. As a matter of fact, they began to shift as soon as the photo was developed! When you add light (almost ANY kind of light) the process happens even faster. This is why packages of film have typically carried disclaimers about the fact that colors may fade over time.

Typically, there are two effects:

1. a loss of detail in general, particularly in the highlights.
2. a color shift. As the magenta dye is most unstable when exposed to light, compared to the other two dyes, the result is a photo that can shift to a slightly greenish cast.

There have been a lot of chromgenic applications used to make prints over the past 50 years. As the work of image permanence pioneer Henry Wilhelm has shown, these approaches do vary widely in terms of potential image permanence. However, the unfortunate conclusion to all of this research is that, the most widely used process, Ektacolor, can be seen to be of the most consist in have significant issues with exposure to light. 

For photos that have faded:

Prior to the availability of a photo scanning service and digital photography software, if your photos were faded you were largely out of luck. That’s not true any more!

Once an image is scanned it can be digitally manipulated to reduce that faded look. However, if your photos are severely faded, it can be challenging to bring them back to life — so it’s definitely in your interest to hurry.

These are some other issues that have to be confronted when reviewing photos;

Shift of Color:

…the fading that happens in the dark. All photos, negative strips and slides degrade even without light. But, you can slow it down.

Scratching:

…the invisible enemy. All of these forms of photograhic imagery are easily scratched and very susceptible to abrasion. There are things you can do to avoid them.

Disaster happens:

…why your photos aren’t that safe at home. Aside from the obvious deterioration that we have already discussed, there are “home-bound” disasters that can, and do happen. Sometimes the ‘disaster’ lives with us (pets, kids, accidents), but still, an active threat and consideration. But our research shows that some kinds of disasters are lot more likely than others.

Doing it yourself?

This is something to consider…IF you have the quality scanner needed, and IF you have the right correction software, this is surely not easy and you are committing to a huge amount of time.  However, we do have some advice for those hardy souls.

Simply upload an image to your computer, and have it printed on canvas. This is called giclee printing, as it makes use of a high quality printer to transfer your image to a canvas. They’ve an excellent resolution, produce superior images, beautiful colours; giving your snapshot that classic, timeless look of a painting. These photos on canvas are great to display in your own home, as they are very elegant and can provide a beautiful feel to your home, or give your office that homey feel. Wherever you choose to hang your canvas pictures, they are sure to elicit smiles and provoke conversations among friends and neighbours.

Creating canvas pictures out of your photographs will provide them with the appearance that they warrant. Hanging on your own wall, inserted in a canvas, they become exquisite works of art that you’re able to keep for a very long time. Some of the advantages of a canvas picture are the following: it is quite easy to make, easy to maintain, and can be kept for years and years. As opposed to pictures that are printed on film, canvas pictures do not fade over time, and it is possible to pass them on to the next generations, sustaining your gorgeous pics. Now, your photographs will be seen as works of art, and not just as a simple picture placed inside a photo frame.

It is easy to choose the size of your canvas picture, and in case you are not a photographer and have no idea where to obtain a pic, you can ask people to create an image for you. You can identify the location where you choose it to hang, and they will create customized pictures to hang on the space you choose. They’re now seizing the art market, as a greater number of people realize their importance and wonder. They are now replacing oil paintings and other traditional ways of painting, as they are easier to make and sometimes create even more beautiful images. Best of all, unlike paintings done in oil or acrylic, they are easier to maintain and less expensive to make.

Try this new form of art and you will wonder why it took you so long to have your photographs turned into canvas pictures. Once you see the benefits of canvas printing, you will find yourself turning to this new form of art more and more; displaying them in your house, and creating a cultured space. People will also detect the natural splendor of your dwelling, as they become impressed at these wonderful works of art. Try them today, and watch your house turn into an art gallery with these amazing works of art.