The black and white photographic fine print is catalogued as art on paper. Many decisions are made in the creation of an image in the choice of film, camera, lens, negative development, and choice of printing paper.

The photographic print should also be long lasting or "archival." Therefore, only the finest quality fiber-based paper with the highest silver content possible is used. After exposure, the paper is carefully developed. Proper fixation is required to insure that the print will not fade with time. However, the chemicals used for the fixation process must be thoroughly removed from the print by treatment with hypo-clearing agent and extended washing. This fastidious treatment prevents staining from residual fixer. Toning with selenium is sometimes used to further preserve the image.

After drying, the print may be mounted to acid-free board for display. Sheets of adhesive backing and a heating press are used in this process. This is a crucial step. Only prints that are trimmed and mounted perfectly without wrinkles or blemishes are kept. Loose prints may also be mounted for framing using acid-free corners for attachment to archival board. In either case, archival overmats define the perimeters of the print and provide protection from contact with the frame's glass surface.

Spotting is a last critical process. Even with extreme care in the darkroom, small specks of dust on the negative may show up as white spots on the print. These white specks are removed from the photograph using dyes applied to the print surface. This is another time-consuming step in which the print that is not carefully finished may have to be discarded.

Prints intended for display are now ready for framing and hanging. Loose prints or dry-mounted photos are best stored when protected by acetate sleeves or acid-free paper envelopes.

With proper care, the black and white photographic fine print can be expected to last at least 100 years without significant fading.