It is imperative that we carefully store our printed photos in order for them to last generations. Here are some great tips from the Library of Congress:
http://www.loc.gov/preserv/care/photo.html
Here are some additional tips:
*If you have photographs in an old "magnetic" album, remove them immediately. They are actually safer in a box than in that type of album. Both black and white and color photos will deteriorate quite quickly in those albums.
*Never store your photos in the garage or attic. Temperature extremes and moisture (both common in garages and attics) will damage your photos.
*Keep your photos out of direct light. If you wish to frame a one-of-a-kind photo, make a copy to frame and preserve the original. If you do frame the original, be sure to use photo-safe glass.
*When purchasing albums, remember that the word "archival" doesn't necessarily mean photo-safe. Buy from a reputable scrapbooking store rather than a general craft store. Make sure the albums and paper are both acid-free and lignin-free. Creative Memories' albums and papers are acid-free, lignin-free, buffered and bleed resistant. CM albums are also guaranteed. Check them out at my website: www.mycmsite.com/slewis
*When scrapbooking, make sure that non-safe items (brochures, ticket stubs, and other memorabilia) are not touching your photos. Place them beside the photo, but don't overlap them.
*Make a backup copy of your digital photos on an external drive in case your hard drive crashes. (And don't leave photos in your camera in case you lose it or damage it!)
What's the point of taking pictures if not to enjoy them, and preserve them for our children and grandchildren? There is no better gift to a child than a history of his or her family through the wonder of photographs!
Questions? Please post them in the Comments section, and I will promptly answer.
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