Is 100% photo-safe the same as photo-safe?

Posted on July 16, 2014 by Mark Mizen

Because 100% photo-safe and photo-safe are perceived differently, they are not the same. Here’s why. When Our Memories for Life promoted their albums as 100% photo-safe, my immediate response was you have to be kidding. How could they develop a product line in three months that they were 100% certain would not harm photos? I was immediately skeptical, probably more so than if they had just said photo-safe. The 100% emphasized photo-safe in a way that was not justified. This skepticism proved valid when further tests showed that the straps that held the album together contained chlorine and were probably made from PVC.

Creative Memories, on the other hand, never claimed 100% photo-safety, since nothing is ever that certain.

About Mark Mizen

I have over twenty years professional experience in all aspects of photography and digital imaging. I am Chair of the ISO WG5 TG2 committee responsible for physical properties and durability of imaging material and am currently with HID Global working on systems for security printing for IDs, licenses, and credit cards. Previously, I was Director of Digital Development at Creative Memories from 2009 to 2012 and was responsible for the Creative Memories digital products and services. I also established and directed the Creative Memories Technology Center, which evaluated new products prior to product introduction, assisted with production difficulties, and provided technical information to support product sales.

View all posts by Mark Mizen →

This entry was posted in Scrapbooking and tagged 100%, Creative Memories, Our Memories for Life, photo-safety. Bookmark the permalink.

3 Responses to Is 100% photo-safe the same as photo-safe?

momfawn says:

July 16, 2014 at 9:42 am

Very few things in this life are 100%. Well said, Dr. Mark.

Reply
Debbie Pasquini says:

July 16, 2014 at 10:07 am

Short, accurate, and to the point. Thanks.

Reply
onecalmmom says:

July 16, 2014 at 5:49 pm

Spot on! Thanks, Dr. Mark.

Reply