My passion for photography doesn’t end with creating a compelling and beautiful print. It includes handcrafted frames designed to endure for generations. And I always strive to use the best of materials and high quality craftsmanship. My photographic artistry and passion is embodied in this combination of print, matte and frame.
Here is how I achieve this:
- I print with Epson UltraChrome HD pigment archival inks onto archival matte paper - Entrada Rag Natural from Moab Paper corporation. Entrada Rag Natural is an archival acid-free, optical brightener-free and lignin-free paper which when used with archival inks, results in a print that will last for generations.
- I mount the prints to 4ply White (100% cotton fiber) Rising Museum Board using archival acid free photo mounts then layered with a hand cut matte.
- I handcraft the frame from solid species wood (such as walnut, red oak and maple) in my woodshop. And I protect the wood with 3 coats of a high-quality durable satin finish to highlight the natural colour and beauty of the wood.
- I reinforce the frame corners using a contrasting wood spline to provide an extremely strong and beautiful miter joint at each corner of the frame.
- I seal the frame’s wood surfaces that touch the mounting materials with a protective and archival frame sealing tape.
- I seal the back with a separate layer of 2ply Rising Museum Board and archival sealing tape to ensure that the print remains dust free.
- I use 98% UV blocking Museum glass to reduce damaging UV light but with a clear and very low reflection surface that maximizes the print viewing experience under all lighting conditions.
- I sign and date each print with an archival pen and provide a signed Certificate of Authenticity on the back of each framed print to prove that you own an authentic Stephen P. Dolha photograph.
I hope you enjoy my photographic artwork as much as I enjoy making it.
Cheers,
Steve
February 2018