Think BEFORE YOU ink!

It was interesting to read your comparison between home and online lab printing in issue 48.

One aspect which I hoped you would include is comparative permanence and the factors which affect it. I have noticed recently that some combinations of inkjet papers and inks can fade dramatically within months if exposed to light and It’s worth investing in decent inks and papers if you are concerned about print longevity. Canon (we’ll say nothing about the cameras, but its printers are excellent!) claims its top-of-the-range Lucia inks can last up to 200 years in an album, 80 behind glass and 50 in the open air.

Remember to store and back up your digital files safely, too. Check your back-ups every few months as they are, effectively, your negatives.