Descriptions & synopses for our most recent white papers (KAS-papers):

Rules of Thumb for Digital Files (PDF)

A "How-to" on sizes and handling of digital files.

Color Negative Processing (PDF)

A “How-to” on custom color negative processing. This PDF is also useful for customizing color on positives.

Image: Brad Harris

Digital Fine Art Printing (PDF)

A brief history of digital photographic printing with a discussion of archival and longevity issues, including a comparative table of permanence ratings from Wilhelm Imaging Research.

Image: Richard Jochum

Digital Archiving and Photo Conservation (PDF)

A look at museum practices for fine art photography. Sources include Nora Kennedy, the Sherman Fairchild Conservator of Photographs at the Metropolitan Museum of Art; Sarah Meister, Associate Curator, Department of Photography at the Museum of Modern Art; and Marilyn Kushner, Curator and Head, Department of Prints, Photographs and Architectural Collections at the New-York Historical Society.

Image: Michael Berman

Fine Art Connoisseur (PDF)

Collector Savvy: Digitize Your Collection

An article by Ken Allen for private collectors. There is information here that is relevant for institutions as well about the advantages of digitization and the best standards for this process.

Image: Courtesy of Bridgeman Art Library

Ligorano/Reese Profile (PDF)

Ligorano/Reese printed an edition of 10 with Ken Allen Studios, consisting of repeating images of Richard Nixon campaign buttons with the words “I’m not a Crook” on the button. They were printed on Crane portfolio rag paper.

Image: Pamela Matsuda-Dunn

Lucien Samaha Profile (PDF)

Ken Allen first met Lucien when they were both students at Rochester Institute of Technology in the Imaging and Photographic Technology department. Now, both re-located in New York City, they are still friends and still deeply involved with photography.