How to take good care of your photographs

If you're only planning to keep your photos for a short period (say a year or so) then it doesn't matter how you store them. However, if you consider the time, effort and cost you have incurred in amassing your collection of pictorial memories then you may prefer to preserve them. It costs only a little more to do it right the first time. Remember that all photos will fade eventually, but given a little care they will last for a very long time. Colour photos are generally more vulnerable to loss of image than black and white.

Beating the 9 enemies of your photos:

1. The Wrong type of Album or Storage device

The rules of good storage include using acid free materials, photosafe plastic and filing the photos back-to-back. This last point is often overlooked. The faces of the photos are of a different acidity level to the backs. By filing back-to-back the possibility of a chemical reaction is avoided. As mentioned earlier, it is very important to use the correct materials. The most renowned archives use plastic (usually polyester or polypropylene) so don't avoid the advantages which plastic can bring. Just be sure that you don't use PVC or an unknown type in your albums. If your albums have paper pages or if you wrap your photos in paper or tissue be sure that it is acid free.

2.Light

Photographs, slides and negatives which are exposed to light for long periods will fade. The stronger the light the faster the fading. Direct sunlight is the worst offender. Photos left near a window can lose colour very quickly. The best rule to follow to preserve your photos is therefore to keep them in "photosafe" albums or boxes away from daylight.

3. Fingers

Of course you will want to show your photos to friends but be sure they do not touch the photo surface. Moisture and oils from your skin can affect the lasting quality of the print. The answer is to avoid contact with the surface of your photos, or alternatively cover your photos in clear plastic - but be sure it is the right type of plastic. Some materials like PVC contain chemicals that are released as the plastic ages. These chemicals will actively destroy your photographs. The best rule to follow is to be sure that the manufacturer brands the pages as being safe for photos.

4. Temperature

Heat can accelerate the degradation of your photographs. You may not intentionally subject your albums to heat regularly but beware, for instance, of leaving your albums uncovered on the seat of your car in summer. An album left on a coffee table that is exposed to direct sunlight can also be seriously affected. The solution is obvious - store your photos in a reasonably cool place that is not exposed to direct sunlight.

5. Insects! Silverfish! and Vermin

The danger with these pests is not only the pests themselves but also the sprays and the chemicals you may use to kill them. Be careful to avoid spraying your albums when you see an insect on one of them. You may do more harm than destroying the insect. Some album covers and boxes are made of polypropylene which is a substance not normally attacked by vermin, rodents or even mildew. This makes polypropylene naturally superior to cardboard for photographic storage.

6. Dust and Crushing

These two dangers often come together when photos are left in a heap on a table. The dust settles on the surfaces of the photos and then becomes abrasive during handling. It is surprisng how much dust and grease can accumulate on a polished surface in even the best managed homes. The rule is to avoid leaving unprotected photos lying around. Put them in a photosafe album as soon as possible and even then do not overload it as crushing can still occur.

7. Glue and "Sticky Tape"

Most glues are bad for your photos. Care should even be taken when using "photo-safe" products because undue wetting can penetrate to the photoside. It is best to use a slip-in pocket system if you can. Never use "sticky tapes" as they become gluey and tacky as they age and can ruin photos.

8. Writing on the backs of photos

Apart from indenting the surface, inks and pencil can react with the photo paper. Of course it is desirable to have a record of the photo details but this is better kept separately. Some of the better albums provide for recording photo details next to the photos.

9. Poor photo Processing

Not all photo laboratories, mini-labs and photo shops are good. Most are of course responsible and caring but some are not. Bad processing and poor drying can spoil your photos before you get them and can create problems in your album. Choose your film lab carefully. The cheapest are not always a good investment.