A type of medium format film, much larger than 35mm film, resulting in higher-definition film images, about 61mm in width.

Notes: Invented in 1901 and still in use today. Further information: Chronology of Film at Kodak

Not to be confused with: 120mm. The designation "120" does not refer to the size.

Also see: medium format, 35mm

A specific size  of analog film and camera format that was popular in the 20th century. 

Notes: Still used by some artists as motion picture film or for still photography. Aaron Knight trained on 35mm film but does not use 35mm film cameras for his artwork.

Photography that uses light-sensitive film or other non-digital means to create an image on light-sensitive material. 

Notes: Analog/film images can be printed digitally, and vice versa.

Also see: film, darkroom

This term is reserved for artists materials that meet established standards for lightfastness and permanence. It generally means a quantifiable analysis (e.g. blue wool test rating) has been achieved and the artwork is considered to be longer-lasting than lesser methods.

Note: "archival" implies that a product or material meets a specific standard (e.g. blue wool test) and is a more specific term than "permanent"

Also see: Technical process

To achieve archival results with inkjet printers, pigment-based ink (not dye) must be used. Additionally, the substrate (e.g. paper) must be archival (e.g. pH neutral and free of contaminants.)

A broad term that can refer to any number of possible art pieces, including but not limited to limited edition art prints, photographs, open edition prints, and reproductions.

Not all art prints are signed or original. If you are considering buying an art print, learn exactly which category your purchase will fall into and consider if it matches the type of art print you seek to collect.

A bound publication designed, developed, and produced by an artist, as an affordable art form.

Also see: MoMA's definition of artist's book

An archival standard that scores the lightfastness of fine art paper against a benchmark. Certified by the Fine Art Trade Guild (FATG).

(As applies to limited editions) When selling limited edition art, a certificate of authenticity is required by certain laws. For example, New York (state) Consolidated Laws, Arts and Cultural Affairs Law - ACA § 11.01 defines “Certificate of authenticity” as a written statement by an art merchant confirming, approving or attesting to the authorship of a work of fine art or multiple, which is capable of being used to the advantage or disadvantage of some person. Reference. Various other states have similar requirements.

A chromogenic print (c-print or c-type) is a wet-process photographic print based on pre-digital technology. Compared to archival ink-jet printing, the colors are less stable and genuine natural fiber paper is not used. C-print definition at the Tate Gallery

Verb: The process of arranging elements within an artwork.

Noun: The resulting arrangement of elements within an artwork.

Artists are fundamentally concerned with composition to help guide the viewer's eye through an image, as well as set an emotional mood for the artwork. The composition consists of major elements, such as the horizon and main subject, as well as smaller visual cues including the pose and posture of the subject(s) and any points of interest that draw attention.

One hundred percent cotton art paper is a pure white, strong, and archival substrate for artwork.  Because this type of paper contains no wood it is strong and smooth. Information from Strathmore.

Analog photographic process involving light-sensitive film, paper, and processing in wet chemical baths.

Photography that records and stores visual information digitally, without the use of film.

Notes: Digitally recorded images can be printed using analog techniques, and vice versa.

Also see: analog, film

A paper-based black and white photographic print which is the standard for archival, artistic darkroom photography.

Note: It is more attractive than RC (plastic) photo paper. Photo paper information from Ilford

A figure photograph is a nude photograph.

Photography that uses light-sensitive film to create an image on  material. Typical analog film can be color negative, color positive, or black and white negative. Film can be printed in a darkroom but can also be scanned.

Notes: film/analog images can be printed digitally, and vice versa.

Also see: film, medium format

Traditional wet-chemical black-and-white photographic process. Gelatin silver art photography is made archival with proper materials and processing that includes fiber base paper, toning, and adequate washing. 

Refers to the size of film (e.g. negative) (4x5 inches/10x13 cm or larger) produced by a film camera. Large format photography includes 4x5 and 8x10 inch view cameras, as well as the Polaroid 20x24 inch camera.

Notes: Not to be confused with: large-scale printing, which refers to the size of of the resulting print, regardless of the size of film or digital sensor.

A series of numbered prints produced from a single matrix (negative, file, plate, mold, or printing surface) restricted and declared at the outset. Usually signed and dated by the artist.

Notes: An unlimited edition is called an "open edition"

Also see:

• What is a limited edition?
• Proofs
• Art term Edition at Tate Gallery

Refers to a paper with a smooth, non-glossy finish.

Monochrome describes an image that is made up of a single color or grays. For example, a black and white photograph is a form of monochrome image, additionally an image where all the values are blue, would also be monochrome.

A camera that makes used of 120 film or a similar size digital sensor.

Note; Medium format refers to the camera used, not the resulting size of photographic print.

See medium format artwork from Aaron Knight

A series of identical works, such as in a limited edition.

Art term multiple at Tate Gallery.

Negative space is a term used in describing composition. It refers to the shape of the space between the subjects, chiefly the background. For example, the proportion of negative space in relation to the area occupied by the subject(s) can set the mood of an image.

An original work created by an artist, not a reproduction. Not to be confused with "unique." Not all originals are unique. Originals can be multiples, such as in the case of a limited edition.

The process of creating an image (photograph) by the action of light on a light-sensitive material. This mostly uses a camera and lens, but does not have to. There is also pinhole photography and photograms, for example.

Ink that uses pigment instead of dye for it's color; regarded for it's brilliance and archival qualities.

A copy of a unique artwork, for example a print from an oil painting.

An additional step in black and white darkroom printing where the metal selenium is bonded to the silver in a photograph to enhance the beauty and to extend the permanence of the artwork.

Notes: All of Aaron Knight's darkroom photography use fiber-based paper that has been selenium toned.