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About Limited Editions
Certain photographs are selected to be published as Limited Edition photographic prints. The quality of the image itself, the historical significance of the photograph (i.e., the event or person depicted) and the relative importance of the photographer, is considered when determining which images to publish as Limited Editions.
Most Limited Editions published are hand-printed, silver gelatin photographs, which are processed in a New York City-based custom photo darkroom. Black and white photographs are archivally printed on double-weight, fiber based paper. Color photographs are hand-printed on resin-coated (RC) paper. Limited Edition photographs are printed directly from the original camera negative when available, or when the original negative doesn't exist or is damaged, from a dupe or copy negative housed in the archive of the Collection.
Occasionally, when only a digital file is available, the latest model of LightJet printer is utilized. This is a laser film recorder, which renders prints that have no dots - only continuous tone pixels. These digital prints are printed on Fuji Crystal Archive photographic paper, which is rated for longevity at 61 years or more. The result is a true photographic print on a paper that also could have been exposed in a traditional enlarger.
Several of National Geographic’s most notable photographers’ images are represented here as Limited Editions. Many of these Limited Edition photographs are hand-signed by these accomplished photographers, while other Limited Editions are offered unsigned. Each Limited Edition color photograph is printed at National Geographic’s in-house digital lab from a file created by scanning the photographers’ original negative or transparency with a high resolution Heidelberg drum scanner. These photographs are printed on Fuji Crystal Archive® RC paper using traditional silver halide chemistry by a Durst Lambda 131 printer. National Geographic Limited Edition black & white photographs are printed in a custom photo darkroom from negatives housed in the National Geographic Society’s climate-controlled photography archive. These historic black & white photographs are archivally printed on double-weight, fiber-based paper.
Limited Edition photographs are printed with not less than a 3/4" border top and sides and not less than a 1 1/2" border at the bottom. Each Limited Edition photographic print is hand-numbered and embossed with the specific Collection's Limited Edition seal and comes with a hand-numbered Certificate of Authenticity. The photographer signs some Limited Edition photographs. Typical edition size is 250 plus artist and publisher's proof editions. Print sizes include: 8" X 10", 11" X 14", 16"X 20", and larger. Click any Limited Edition photograph thumbnail to see the print size and other details of the edition.
About Open Editions
Most Open Edition photographs are hand-printed to order in a custom photo darkroom. Black & white photographs are silver gelatin prints on archival resin-coated (RC) semi-matte finish paper. Color photographs are Chromogenic prints, printed on RC paper. Most photographs are printed directly from the original medium, usually the camera negative or transparency.
When only a digital image is available, a LightJet Laser Film Recorder is used in printing. LightJet Laser prints are true photographic prints that are the result of the very finest tradition and craft of fine art photography combined with state-of-the-art imaging technologies. These photographs are printed in color or black & white on Fuji Crystal Archive® photographic paper using traditional silver halide chemistry. In contrast with prints produced by ink jet printers or lithography, LightJet Laser prints are real continuous tone photographs with no dots. Subtle gradations are represented smoothly and naturally in image tones that can be extraordinarily deep and rich.
Open Edition photographic prints are embossed with the name of the Collection, include a Certificate of Authenticity, and are available in a choice of three standard sizes: 11" X 14", 16" X 20" and 20" X 24".
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