Photographs are something special – they capture a moment in time that can never again be experienced, but can be relived time and time again simply by looking at a picture. Family photos are particularly special; a mere glance can bring all the precious memories flooding back at once. On another level, family photos help to preserve history for generations to come, which is why it’s important to safeguard them against the future. Here are some ways you can preserve your family photographs and keep them in great condition no matter how many years pass.
1. Scan the photo.
The first thing you should do is make a digital copy of the photograph. According to Alyssa Albers Photography, there are multiple ways to approach this. They said, “you can feed the photo through a wand scanner, use a flatbed scanner, or even scan the negative of the photo. There are also specialty shops that will scan your photographs and deliver them to you on a flash drive.”
The reason doing this is important is simple; while a physical copy can be harmed by the elements, a digital copy will last forever. At any point, you can pull up the file and print another version of the photograph. Once you obtain a digital copy, make sure to store it on the cloud in a place that it can easily be retrieved and where it isn’t in danger of deletion
2. Keep the photographs out of acid-based photo albums.
Many photo albums are made using an acid-based adhesive. Over time, this adhesive will break down the paper the photograph is on, resulting in fading of colors, yellowing, and other unwanted effects. To prevent this from happening, make sure to use only acid-free photo albums for the physical version of the photograph. If you have older photos that are already damaged, look up a photo restoration shop in your area; these shops specialize in restoring photographs to their original state and removing the signs of age and damage from them.
3. Keep the photographs out of extreme heat and cold.
If you do not store the photographs in an album and use a box instead, make sure the box is stored somewhere away from fluctuating temperatures. The ideal location will be somewhere clean and dry. The rate of decay of a photograph doubles at every 18° F increase. The top shelf of a closet within your home is a good place, as the photos are not likely to get wet and the temperature will remain relatively constant. However, do not store the photographs inside a storage shed, in your garage, or in the attic.
4. Handle photographs carefully.
If you’re going to touch the photos, particularly those that are older, make sure to handle them with care. As photographs age the edges become fragile. It’s a good idea to wear a pair of gloves to keep foreign contaminants from coming in contact with the photo, and also to keep your body oils off of them. Cotton gloves are the best option, and they are usually very affordable and will prevent fingerprints and other marks from damaging the photograph. Also, resist the urge to write a description of the photograph; while it’s possible to write on the back of photos with a pencil, you should never use an ink pen. It’s a better idea to use a separate sheet of paper to be on the safe side. Keep this paper with the photographs so that you can always remember and easily identify who is present and where the picture was taken.
Preserving a photograph is just like preserving a bit of history for future generations. However, it does take a certain amount of care and effort. Follow these four tips to make sure your precious family photographs remain safe and sound for your children and grandchildren to admire.
