Week # 3 of Save Your Photos Month - Dealing With Printed Photos
Before digital photography made taking pictures an instant experience, we used to take our film to the store to have them developed and printed just to see how (and if!) they turned out. Many of these printed photographs have been forgotten in old albums and shoeboxes stashed in attics, garages or the basement - leaving them at risk for damage caused by moisture or chemicals found in the albums or improper storage containers.
It is important to make sure your printed photographs are stored in a temperature controlled space in the home - preferably a living room, spare bedroom or den. This will help prevent moisture damage caused by condensation buildup which occurs in areas of the home where there are drastic temperature changes.
Archival Storage
It is important to ensure the storage containers or albums your photos are stored in are archival safe. You want to make sure these photos last for generations to come and don't become damaged by the chemicals and acid found in paper boxes or those sticky "magnetic" albums that were popular.
To make sure your photos will survive long term, make sure your storage containers and albums are:
Acid Free
Lignin Free
PVC Free
If you need help sourcing proper storage containers or albums, please let me know and I will forward you my favorite options
Photo Scanning
Having your photos scanned to make a digital copy is a great way to both preserve and enjoy your older printed photos. Having a digital copy of your printed photos will mean you can share them easily on Facebook, email and other social media platforms. You will also have a digital back up that can be re-printed in the event a house fire or flood occurs and destroys your physical photos and albums.
Are you feeling overwhelmed and need a helping hand with your photos?
Tidy Memories will help you draft up a vision and action plan, click here to book a free phone consult!