Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v3 - Senior Secondary 2
Monitoring and Framing of Photographs
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Monitoring and Framing of Photographs
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Nigeria 2025 app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Photography
Class: Senior Secondary 2
Term: 1st Term
Week: 7
Theme: Care And Preservtion Of Photographs
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This topic introduces students to the essential skills of preparing photographic prints for display and long-term preservation. It focuses on the practical application of mounting and framing techniques, which are crucial for enhancing the aesthetic appeal of photographs, protecting them from environmental damage, and ensuring their longevity. In the Nigerian context, these skills are valuable not only for personal use in homes and offices but also for professional photographers, artists, and entrepreneurs looking to offer high-quality finishing services for photographic works and other visual arts.
(polyvinyl chloride) sleeves, as they emit harmful plasticizers that can damage photographs.
Storage Boxes: Store sleeved or mounted photographs in archival boxes made of acid-free, lignin-free buffered paperboard.
3. Proper Handling: Clean Hands/Gloves: Always handle photographs with clean hands or wear lint-free cotton gloves to prevent transferring oils, dirt, or fingerprints, which can stain or damage prints.
Hold by Edges: Hold photographs by their edges to minimize contact with the image area.
Flat Support: Always support photographs fully when moving them, especially larger prints.
4. Digital Archiving: * Scanning and Backup: Scan important photographs at high resolution and create multiple digital backups (on external hard drives, cloud storage, or multiple computers). This serves as a vital safeguard against physical loss or damage. This section details the core concepts of mounting, framing, monitoring, and preserving photographs, providing step-by-step guidance and relevant examples. A. Mounting Photographs Mounting is the process of adhering a photograph to a rigid support material. This is done to provide stability, prevent the print from curling or buckling, protect it from physical damage, and improve its presentation, especially before framing.
Purpose of Mounting: Adds rigidity and flatness to the print. Protects against creases, tears, and environmental damage. Enhances aesthetic presentation for display. Prepares the photograph for framing.
Materials Required: Photograph: The print to be mounted.
Mounting Board: Acid-free foam board, mat board, or archival corrugated board. The board should be slightly larger than the photograph to allow for trimming or borders.
Adhesive: Dry-Mount Tissue: Heat-activated adhesive sheets.
Spray Adhesive: Aerosol-based adhesive.
PVA Glue (White Craft Glue): Water-based liquid adhesive.
Double-Sided Tape: For temporary or less critical mounting.
Tools: Utility knife/cutter, metal ruler, cutting mat, roller/brayer (for wet mounting), dry-mount press or iron (for dry mounting), clean cloth. Types of Mounting and Step-by-Step Processes:
1. Dry Mounting (Using Dry-Mount Tissue): This method uses heat to activate an adhesive tissue placed between the photograph and the mounting board. It provides a strong, permanent bond and is generally preferred for its clean finish.
Step 1: Preparation: Ensure the photograph and mounting board are clean and dry. Trim the photograph to its final size.
Step 2: Attach Tissue to Photo: Place the dry-mount tissue on the back of the photograph. Using a tacking iron (or a domestic iron on low heat without steam), gently tack one corner of the tissue to the back of the print.
Step 3: Trim Tissue: Trim the dry-mount tissue flush with the edges of the photograph using a utility knife and metal ruler on a cutting mat.
Step 4: Position Photo on Board: Carefully place the photograph (with tissue attached) onto the desired position on the mounting board. Use a pencil to lightly mark its position if needed.
Step 5: Tack to Board: Gently lift a corner of the photograph and tack the dry-mount tissue to the mounting board underneath, ensuring proper alignment. Repeat for another corner.
Step 6: Pressing: Place the mounted photograph into a dry-mount press. Apply heat and pressure according to the tissue manufacturer's instructions (typically 1-2 minutes at 80-100°C). If using an iron, place a clean sheet of paper or cloth over the photograph and iron evenly with firm, consistent pressure, moving in circular motions from the center outwards.
Step 7: Cool Down: Remove the mounted photograph from the press/iron and place it under a flat weight (like books) to cool completely. This prevents warping.
2. Spray Mounting: This method uses an aerosol adhesive, offering a quick and relatively easy way to mount photographs.
Step 1: Preparation: Ensure the photograph and mounting board are clean and dry. Work in a well-ventilated area. Protect surfaces with old newspapers or drop cloths.
Step 2: Spray Adhesive: Place the photograph face down on a protected surface. Hold the spray adhesive can about 15-20 cm away and apply an even, light coat of adhesive to the back of the photograph. Avoid oversaturating.
Step 3: Position and Mount: Carefully align the photograph with the mounting board. Once positioned, gently lay the photograph down, starting from one edge and smoothly pressing it onto the board, working towards the opposite edge to avoid air bubbles.
Step 4: Secure: Use a clean roller or brayer, or a soft cloth, to firmly press the entire surface of the photograph, ensuring full contact and removing any trapped air.
Step 5: Trim (Optional): If the mounting board needs trimming, do so once the adhesive has set.
3. Wet Mounting (Using PVA Glue): This method uses a liquid adhesive like PVA glue. It can be strong but requires careful application to avoid wrinkles or bubbles, especially with thinner prints.
Step 1: Preparation: Ensure the photograph and mounting board are clean. Dilute the PVA glue slightly with water (if recommended by manufacturer) soft cloth, to firmly press the entire surface of the photograph, ensuring full contact and removing any trapped air.
Step 5: Trim (Optional): If the mounting board needs trimming, do so once the adhesive has set.
3. Wet Mounting (Using PVA Glue): This method uses a liquid adhesive like PVA glue. It can be strong but requires careful application to avoid wrinkles or bubbles, especially with thinner prints.
Step 1: Preparation: Ensure the photograph and mounting board are clean. Dilute the PVA glue slightly with water (if recommended by manufacturer) to achieve a smooth consistency.
Step 2: Apply Adhesive: Apply an even, thin layer of PVA glue to the entire surface of the mounting board using a brush or roller.
Step 3: Position Photo: Carefully place the photograph onto the glued board, aligning it precisely.
Step 4: Smooth Out: Place a clean sheet of paper or plastic over the photograph. Using a brayer, roller, or a squeegee, gently but firmly roll over the surface from the center outwards to remove air bubbles and excess glue.
Step 5: Dry: Place the mounted photograph under weights or in a press to dry flat for several hours or overnight. Ensure even pressure to prevent warping. B. Framing Photographs Framing is the process of enclosing a mounted photograph within a protective and decorative border, typically consisting of a frame, glazing, mat board, and backing board.
Purpose of Framing: Protection: Shields the photograph from dust, dirt, moisture, pollutants, and UV light (with appropriate glazing).
Aesthetic Enhancement: Provides a professional and finished look, drawing attention to the artwork.
Structural Support: Holds the mounted photograph securely in place.
Display: Facilitates hanging and presentation.
Components of a Frame:
1. Frame Material: The outer border, typically made of wood, metal (e.g., aluminum), or synthetic materials (e.g., PVC). Wood frames can be plain, stained, painted, or ornately carved (e.g., from iroko, mahogany wood available locally).
2. Glazing (Protective Layer): The transparent front cover.
Glass: Common, clear, but can be reflective and heavy. Options include clear glass, anti-reflective glass, and UV-protective glass.
Acrylic (Plexiglass): Lighter, shatter-resistant, but can scratch easily and attract dust due to static. Available with UV protection.
3. Mat Board (Matting/Passe-partout): An acid-free board placed between the photograph and the glazing. It creates a visual border around the photograph, preventing the print from touching the glass (which can lead to moisture damage or adhesion over time) and adding depth and aesthetic appeal. It is crucial to use acid-free and lignin-free mat board to prevent "mat burn" (discoloration of the print over time due to acids migrating from non-archival materials).
4. Mounted Photograph: The photograph, which has already been securely mounted onto a rigid board.
5. Backing Board: A rigid board (e.g., foam board, conservation board) placed behind the mounted photograph to provide additional support and seal the frame. It should also ideally be acid-free.
6. Hardware: Frame Points/Flexi-points: Small metal clips or tabs inserted into the back of the frame to hold the components securely.
Hanging Wire/Cord: Attached to D-rings or screw eyes on the back of the frame for hanging.
Picture Hooks: For hanging the framed artwork on a wall. Step-by-Step Process of Assembling a Frame: Step 1: Prepare Components: Ensure the mounted photograph, mat board (if used and cut to size), glazing, and backing board are clean and free of dust. Clean the glazing thoroughly on both sides.
Step 2: Lay Out Order: Working on a clean, flat surface, arrange the components in the correct order:
1. Frame (face down)
2. Glazing (clean side facing down onto the frame rebate)
3. Mat board (if used, with bevel cut facing down towards the glazing)
4. Mounted Photograph (face down, centered within the mat opening or frame)
5. Backing Board Step 3: Secure Components: Carefully place all components into the frame's rebate. Using a frame point driver or a flat screwdriver, insert frame points or flexi-points into the frame's inner edge to hold everything snugly in place. Distribute them evenly around the perimeter. *Step 4: Seal Back (Optional Frame (face down)
2. Glazing (clean side facing down onto the frame rebate)
3. Mat board (if used, with bevel cut facing down towards the glazing)
4. Mounted Photograph (face down, centered within the mat opening or frame)
5. Backing Board Step 3: Secure Components: Carefully place all components into the frame's rebate. Using a frame point driver or a flat screwdriver, insert frame points or flexi-points into the frame's inner edge to hold everything snugly in place. Distribute them evenly around the perimeter.
Step 4: Seal Back (Optional but recommended): Apply archival sealing tape around the edges where the backing board meets the frame to create a better seal against dust and insects.
Step 5: Attach Hanging Hardware: Screw D-rings or screw eyes into the back of the frame, approximately one-third of the way down from the top. Thread the hanging wire or cord through the D-rings and tie securely. Ensure the wire allows the frame to hang straight. C. Monitoring Photographs Monitoring involves regularly inspecting framed or stored photographs for any signs of damage or deterioration. This proactive approach helps in early detection and intervention, preventing irreversible harm. Why Monitor? To detect early signs of fading, discoloration, mold growth, or insect infestation. To identify environmental issues (e.g., high humidity, excessive light exposure) affecting the preservation. To ensure the integrity of mounting and framing materials.
What to Look For: Color Changes: Fading, yellowing, or shifting of colors, especially in areas exposed to light.
Physical Damage: Cracks, tears, warping, buckling of the print or mounting board.
Biological Growth: Presence of mold, mildew, or insect droppings/damage (common in humid climates like Nigeria).
Frame Integrity: Loose corners, cracked glazing, damaged backing.
Mat Burn: Yellowing or browning of the photograph's edges caused by acidic matting.
Environmental Signs: Condensation behind the glass, excessive dust buildup. D. Preservation of Photographs (Connecting to Evaluation Guide) Preservation involves employing various strategies to protect photographs from damage and extend their lifespan. Mounting and framing are excellent methods, but other techniques are equally important. How Mounting and Framing Contribute to Preservation: Physical Barrier: The frame and glazing provide a physical barrier against dust, dirt, pollutants, and accidental damage.
UV Protection: UV-protective glazing can filter harmful ultraviolet rays, significantly slowing down fading.
Environmental Separation: The mat board prevents the photograph from touching the glazing, reducing the risk of moisture damage or the print adhering to the glass.
Structural Support: Mounting prevents the print from curling or creasing.
Other Methods of Preserving Photographs:
1. Environmental Control: Temperature and Humidity: Store photographs in a cool, stable environment (ideally 18-24°C with relative humidity between 30-50%). Avoid areas with drastic temperature or humidity fluctuations (e.g., direct sunlight, near open windows, bathrooms, kitchens). In Nigeria's tropical climate, this often requires careful consideration of storage locations and potentially the use of dehumidifiers in very humid areas.
Light Exposure: Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or strong artificial lights (especially fluorescent lights, which emit UV radiation). Use UV-protective glazing for framed prints.
Air Quality: Protect from airborne pollutants, smoke, and chemical fumes.
2. Use of Archival Materials: Acid-Free and Lignin-Free: All materials that come into direct contact with photographs (albums, sleeves, boxes, mounting boards, mat boards) must be acid-free and lignin-free. Acids and lignin in non-archival paper products can migrate to photographs and cause yellowing, fading, and brittleness over time ("acid decay").
Protective Sleeves: Store individual photographs in archival quality plastic sleeves (e.g., made of polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyester/Mylar). Avoid PVC (polyvinyl chloride) sleeves, as they emit harmful plasticizers that can damage photographs.
Storage Boxes: Store sleeved or mounted photographs in archival boxes made of acid-free, lignin-free buffered paperboard.
3. Proper Handling: Clean Hands/Gloves: Always handle photographs with clean hands or wear lint-free cotton gloves to prevent transferring oils, dirt, or fingerprints, which can stain or damage prints.
Hold by Edges: Hold photographs by their edges to minimize contact with the image area.
Flat Support: Always support photographs fully when moving them, especially larger prints.
4. Digital Archiving:
Professional Photography and Art Exhibitions: In urban centers like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, professional photographers and artists regularly mount and frame their work for client delivery, art gallery exhibitions, and portfolio displays. Knowledge of proper mounting and archival framing ensures their work is presented professionally and preserved for sale or long-term display, enhancing their market value. For instance, a photographer documenting Nigerian traditional weddings would frame their best shots for clients.
Cultural and Historical Preservation: Museums, archives, and cultural centers across Nigeria (e.g., National Museum, Onikan Lagos; historical societies) handle vast collections of historical photographs, documenting Nigeria's pre-colonial and post-colonial eras, cultural festivals, and political history. Applying archival mounting and framing techniques (and other preservation methods) is crucial for safeguarding these invaluable visual records for future generations, preventing degradation due to the country's challenging tropical climate (humidity, pests).
Entrepreneurship and Local Craft Economy: The skills of mounting and framing offer significant entrepreneurial opportunities for Nigerian youths. With training, individuals can establish small businesses providing custom framing services for portraits, academic certificates, traditional textile art, and photographs in local communities. This directly contributes to local economic development and provides skilled employment, especially in towns where specialized framing shops may be scarce. Many local craft markets and shops (like those found in Balogun Market, Lagos or Ariaria Market, Aba) could integrate these services.