“I am so grateful to you for informing folks about photo preservation. I feel like you're the ambassador for the attic photos. (And of course they're saying ‘Hey! Get me outta the attic!’)”
Sally Jacobs, The Practical Archivist
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Restore and Preserve Family Photos
Photo Detective Maureen Taylor has seen photographs in terrible shape—due to age, mishandling, water damage, you name it. Before you throw out your damaged photographs, ask Maureen for a consultation. Your pictures could be saved!
She’ll advise you how to save your photographs for future generations or direct you to the knowledgeable professional who can help with photo restoration and conservation.
Contact Maureen Taylor for her expert advice on how to preserve and restore your precious family photos. And get on the path to preservation today with these expert answers to preservation questions.
Q: How can I label my photographs?
A: The first rule of photo preservation should be: Never write on the front of your pictures and never use ballpoint or felt-tip pens.
Why? Writing on the front can injure your picture, while ink can bleed through your photograph and cause permanent damage. If you have an older photograph, use a soft lead graphite pencil to gently write the names and information on the back of the photograph while it is face down on a clean surface. If you are trying to write on the back of a resin-coated image, you'll need an odorless, waterproof, permanent marker—not a Sharpie, felt-tip, or ballpoint pen.
Q: What does archival mean?
A: The word “archival” is based on “archives,” which means a place where items are cared for. Archival typically refers to the types of special storage materials used in an archive.
But there’s a problem with this term. There are no industry standards for “archival” supplies. It’s generally understood that ”archival” refers to material or conditions that extend the longevity of the objects stored in them. But use caution when purchasing items to preserve your treasures. You could buy a photo album with an “archival” label, but it may only refer to the outside cover, inside pages, or plastic overlays.
Q: What type of storage materials should I buy?
A: Look for materials labeled acid-free, lignin-free, and non-PVC plastic.
Q: How should I scan my pictures?
A: There is no simple answer to this question. Scan your images at a high resolution, such as 600 DPI, and save the files as TIFF. Remember to back up your digital files regularly!
Do you have a question about preserving or restoring photos?
Ask the Photo Detective!
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