Digital BW, The Print

I call them Archival Ultrachrome prints and Digital Ultrachrome prints.  On
every photo page, I have a link to more info about the prints.  That link
takes them to a basic description, with further links to Wilhelm and Epson
for more information.  My description of 2200 prints is this:

"About Ultrachrome Prints
I make the prints on Epson Archival Matte paper with archival pigments
exactly as recommended for maximum permanence. In tests conducted by Wilhelm
Imaging Research, an independent image permanence research firm, this
combination has been shown to produce lasting, fade-resistant prints.
Ultrachrome prints are more permanent than conventional color photographic
prints (although not as permanent as archival black & white fiber prints)."

I surveyed hundreds of websites, ebay, etc. to see how others were
describing them.  A number of sites had exaggerated or deceptive
descriptions which rang my B. S. alarm. I did like the government archive
descriptions of Epson 1180 prints, and used this text as a model for mine. I
believe the public is willing to buy these prints and fully accept them for
what they are, as photographs, at this point in time. Orders for digital
prints are increasing at such a rate that they may soon exceed orders for
chemical prints.  Because I sell historic and documentary photography, i
need to keep all text on the site very neutral and objective.  If i fudge or
hype the print descriptions, I am sure intelligent customers will see right
through it and everything else I say will be called into question.

Without reviewing the substance of the many internet debates about giclee,
the term is controversial and questionable when applied to 2200 prints.
Also, art conservators at museums are having problems with giclee, such as
the ink falling off the canvas and other issues.  News of this carries
quickly to institutional buyers, some of which are my customers.
Ultrachromes have no such problems, so I consider the term Giclee to be a
liability, and I deny that my prints are Giclee.

tom robinson