How to care for your printed photographs
Do you have a random collection of photo prints laying around? This can consist of your children's annual school photos, proofs from your wedding photos, some Polaroid Instax photos your kids took this summer on vacation, a few photo booth film strips, and even the prints from your annual professional family photo session.
I have three tips for you on how you can protect these photos, and enjoy them, for years to come.
Tip 1: Keep prints out of direct sunlight
Not to get too sciencey, but did you know that photons in sun rays can break down the molecules in dyes and pigments used in printed photos? As a result, colors can fade. So do your best to keep them away from the windows and direct sunlight unless they are under glass with UV protection!
Tip 2: Avoid humidity and extreme temperatures
Humidity and high temperatures are among the worst culprits for destroying prints. From curling to destroying the fibers to overall deterioration — the effects are harmful. I know it’s not always easy to control these, so do your best!
One way to do this is by avoiding storage in basements and attics which are prone to extreme temperature fluctuations as well as humidity.
Tip 3: Choose the right album, frame, or storage box
With albums, you usually get what you pay for! You want to watch out for any albums that leave adhesive residues or contain harmful fumes. Instead, use an album that has archival-appropriate polypropylene pages or have an album printed by your professional photographer.
If you are printing photos as a backup, or plan to store them in a photo box, be sure to use acid free and archival quality boxes to protect the photos from dust and light.
Bonus tip: Don’t use office supplies on your prints!
Please don’t use anything you can buy at an office supply store on your prints such as paper clips, scotch tape, and rubber bands. They can leave permanent marks, age your photographs, and you risk destroying your beautiful images.
Do you have prints from prior generations that you would like to ensure are preserved for future generations? Some of my favorite items from my grandparents are photos of my parents as babies, or when my grandparents were babies. To ensure that these prints are protected for future generations to enjoy, in addition to storing them based on the tips above, I’ve also slowly started to digitize my select favorite images to ensure that there are additional backups of these priceless memories.
Do you know how to protect your digital files and ensure you are archiving them? Check out this post on how to protect your digital photos . You can also learn how Rebecca Hunnicutt Photography and Education protects your photos while you work together, to ensure your investment is protected.
Curious about ways to use your photos AND to protect them? Check out these blog posts:
