TECHNICAL PRINT INFORMATION When considering art as an investment, its permanence is one of several vital factors to consider. Like centuries old oil paintings, properly created photographs will last for hundreds of years if cared for properly. This outstanding permanence can only be achieved in photography through a very stringent print-making process. Dennis Greaney’s photographs are all processed this way, beginning with a 5x7 or 8x10 inch negative. Individually processed by hand according to the negative’s specific exposure, these large format negatives are capable of producing images far superior in tone, resolution and depth when compared to 35mm, medium format or digital cameras. After a lengthy development and inspection process (including checking for processing accuracy by measuring the varying densities of the negative) the negative is then loaded into a large Fotar Enlarger which is capable of printing 12 x 12 inch negatives. The negative is then projected onto a silver gelatin fiber base paper which will become the final print. Each projection requires individual attention to its exposure. It is at this point that Dennis uses his own creativity for dodging, burning, un-sharp masking, dodge and burn masking, paper flashing, projection timing, the use of variable contrast filters and other specialized darkroom techniques to create the final image. The prints are processed in Dektol 3:1, double fixed, bleached when necessary and then finished with liquid selenium which is essential to the print’s stability. The prints are allowed to dry for a minimum of 24 hours. This brief description should help explain the individuality of each print. After finial inspection, each print is mounted and matted with archival / museum quality boards. Then they are signed and numbered as part of a limited edition. Each print of any given scene varies from the others as a result of the individual hand processing done to create each print. Lastly, by making every photograph by hand, the vitality necessary for investment quality art is guaranteed for hundreds of years.
All images on this site copyright (c) Dennis Greaney Photography, Inc. 2005