Print storage

[f/stopblues]

How do you all store your unframed, unmatted prints? I need a better method because I'm now carrying some between school and home in my car. I've looked around and have seen the storage binders with sleeves and the boxes (usually used for matted prints?). I was curious what your normal methods are.

Also, if you print in a wet darkroom, how many of a given print do you usually churn out in a session? Will you print 10 of the same thing once you have all your times, etc down? What about for a complex print?

Thanks! I'm back into traditional printing, so I haven't faced these issues in some years!

Chris

 

[lkgroup]

My standard proof print size is 5 x 7.5 inside a small white border. I store the prints in 9 x 12 manila envelopes which I cut about I/3 off (length ways) and tape the flap to make a pouch. I than label the envelope with the data of the project and and I am able to store up to 20 prints in each envelope. I store envelopes by projects in print boxes or when I put them away in filing cabinets.

I list on each envelope film Data, Developing notes, other important information.

Works well for me.

Leo

 

[Erl]

This may shock some of you, but it works for me.

I print with fury and get quite worked up in the darkroom. If proofing prints (post 'proofsheet stage) I standardize on 5"x7" prints. Each one gets only one chance at eposure, well nearly (only) one! If the basic image impresses me, it goes to 8"x10". If I get overjoyed, it goes to 9"x12" etc.

Next session, I go back and reprint the larger one s again, after finding the printing mistakes revealed in 'the light of day.' Some times I may go as far as framing, but not too often.

All of the above, except fot the framed versions, get stacked in the (now) empty photo paper boxes and (may) get a label.

Essentially, the journey is over, the destination reached. I'm over it. They weren't as good as I originally thought when starting the printing. It is me that is now overexposed.

Some considerable time later, will enjoy them, but not right now.

For me, it is the journey, not the destination.

A typical darkroom session may see anything from 1 or 2 prints to 20 or 30 prints produced, depending on size.

I have "millions" of such boxes. The older, the more interesting.

 

[24x30]

I buy the paper normally in boxes to 50 sheets. After a box is empty I use them to put finished prints into it. Cheap, dust free ... like made for the prints 🙂.

/rudi

 

[Doug]

I do the same as 24x30. I almost never make more than one finished print of one size; that is, I don't print muliple duplicate copies of the same image.

 

[canonetc]

I do the same as 24x30 and Doug, but I also save the inner plastic bag and put the prints in them.

I think that the cardboard of the box or packet the paper came in (such as Ilford, AGFA, etc) is NOT acid-free, and can end up staining your prints (especially Fiber base). I found this out the hard way.

I usually save one or two prints at the most. If one sells, then I make another. No need to lose what little space I have in the darkroom for prints that may sit for awhile. Keep your printing notes and you can always go back and make another.

Chris
canonetc

 

[FrankS]

AFter looking at contact sheets, I print the images I like the look of full frame on an 8x10 sheet of photo paper. If an image looks good at that size, I'll make 1 or 2 more, tweaking it along the way as necessary. If I think the final version is worth it, I'll make at least 1 extra since I have everything worked out.