DrewWiley.com Drew H. Wiley Photography FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is large-format photography?
	Simply stated, large-format photography uses large cameras, called "view" cameras, which accept large sheets of film. For example, an "8 X 10" camera exposes an eighty-square inch sheet of film per shot, which is sixty times larger than a typical 35mm exposure. This means that enlargements will contain far more detail and color nuance than those made from smaller film. But there are additional advantages, including more precise focus, which make these big cameras worthwhile, even though they are slow and expensive to operate, and quite heavy. And large-format photography tends to cultivate a discipline and refined sense of composition which rarely occurs with users of more casual equipment, in effect, a more thoughtful way of looking at things, which often produces superior photographs.
What is Cibachrome?
	Cibachrome is the modern version of the silver dye-bleach color process, first invented in the 1930's but commercially perfected under the Cibachrome name in the early 1980's. The brand name has since been changed to Ilfochrome Classic. The print consists of polyester sheet material coated with highly fade-resistant Azo color dyes, and has a distinct look. Unlike regular color prints, which chemically create the dyes during processing, Cibachrome material contains all the dyes initially, then bleaches out the unwanted dyes during processing, leaving only the exposed color image in the completed print.
What are Crystal Archive Prints?
	Crystal Archive paper is a product made by Fuji with outstanding display permanence, which is easier to mount and display, and less expensive, than Cibachrome. I use it only when it is esthetically appropriate for the specific image involved. Since these prints are not glossy, they are recommended in large sizes, like 30 x 40, when display lighting conditions are less than ideal.
How are the prints made?
	In my case, printmaking has involved the development of a number of advanced techniques and special pieces of equipment, including a unique 8 X 10 additive color enlarger, which produces purer hues than conventional optical enlargers. A Cibachrome print begins with a color transparency. This is a positive image like a color slide, only much bigger. This is then combined with special sheets of black-and-white film, using a punch and register device, to create what are called masks, which correct any difficult contrast or color idiosyncrasies in the film. The combined film sandwich can then either be used in an enlarger, to project the image onto the print material, or used to make a corrected duplicate transparency for printing later. After the image is enlarged, it is processed in chemicals to arrive at the final print. The whole process can be a bit complicated, and usually involves several days to complete.
How long will these prints last?
	No matter what claims might be made, all photographs can fade under adverse circumstances, and any blanket warranty against fading would be misleading. However, different types of prints can be affected by different sets of conditions. Black-and-white prints, for example, can be damaged by strong air pollution. Color-coupler prints, often called Type C prints, are affected not only by chemical pollution, but also by UV light, high temperatures, and high relative humidity. Cibachrome prints are most often damaged by UV or direct handling; and conditions of high humidity will risk mildew growth. Many published estimates of print longevity are based upon "accelerated aging" tests, which cannot adequately predict all possible factors, or might be manufacturer biased. From actual personal experience with Cibachromes, however, those prints which daily received a lot of direct sunlight began to show some fading within fifteen years or less, while 25-year old prints continuously displayed in either indirect window light or casual tungsten spotlight illumination still look as brilliant as the day they were made. And it is believed that Cibachromes properly stored in the dark could last for centuries. It all depends upon the specific conditions.
Are my prints "limited editions"?
	No. I have never made enough copies of any one image to warrant that kind of designation. I would much rather be printing new work than repeating the same thing over and over. I even offer portfolios of one-of-a-kind prints. It must be emphasized that I specialize in handmade prints, and it is impossible to make large quantities of them. By contrast, photographers who employ digital methods can, once the digital files are corrected, make prints in unlimited numbers just like posters, virtually mechanically, without any further human artistic input, which might compromise their value.
What about custom requests?
	I have many large-format transparencies in my files, and the majority have never been printed, or might have been printed only in a small size. Depending on the characteristics of the original transparency, it is usually possible to make large prints. However, this can seldom be done quickly. Many steps are involved in making a high-quality print, and some can only be done during certain times of the year, due to temperature or humidity variables which affect the characteristics of films, chemicals, and printing papers. And some steps must be done in batches to be cost-effective. In other words, custom requests might require several months to deliver, and a deposit might be required.
Where are the prints signed?
	When I was younger, I would sign prints on the front mat, but now generally prefer to sign on the back of the print so this will not visually distract from the image itself.
Where are the photographs taken?
	I have traveled all over the western U.S. with large-format camera equipment, including the Hawaiian Islands. However, since I live near the central California coast, many photographs are taken here, and I frequently backpack in the high Sierras, where I was raised. Of the many places visited, only a sampling can be presented on a website.
What about digital prints?
	At this stage of the game, I am not aware of any kind of digital print with a true photographic look, certainly not with the clarity or extreme detail of a well-made Cibachrome. But digital prints can be made in slightly larger sizes than is now practical for me in my own facility, and on a variety of print surfaces which are easier to frame and display than Cibachrome. And some subjects simply do not reproduce well on Cibachrome. But high-quality large digital prints require very expensive drum-scanning and laser output devices, so this is a task best consigned to commercial laboratories appropriately equipped. Typically, laser Lightjet prints are made on Fuji Crystal Archive paper, which has good display permanence; and images of mine can be commercially printed on this material if desired. In such instances, the price must be quoted on a case-by-case basis. But in my opinion, there is no substitute for real home cooking, so I prefer to make prints myself with my own special equipment whenever possible.
Are the images available for stock use?
	No. My own photographs are not available for advertising or commercial mass-reproduction.