HOW TO PRESERVE YOUR OLD FAMILY PHOTOS AND SLIDES BEFORE IS TOO LATE
Here is a common concern
"My pictures are fading away! I wanted to show to my grandchildren the pictures when I was pregnant with their mother but now is too late; the pictures have almost completely faded away".
Here is part of the problem
Chemicals on the pictures keep reacting over time. Some color images show marked deterioration in only 10 years turning blue, yellow or red in most cases. The color dyes used in photo prints, slides and negatives will irreversibly decay overtime.
Changes in temperature and humidity produce one kind of fading. Changes in lighting conditions are responsible for other kind of fading.
The oil in our hands and dust in the environment are also responsible for deterioration that will become more evident overtime.
Here is what we can do to protect our valuable pictures
The decaying process is progressive and irreversible but it can be slowed down by careful storage and handling of the pictures.
Color photos will last longer if stored in the dark and cool dry location. The worst place to store old photographs is in the basement (too damp) or attic (too hot).
Do not stack photos on top of each other, pictures are easily scratched and should be stored in archival plastic or paper sleeves.
Most inexpensive photo albums could damage the pictures. Particularly, avoid albums with sticky adhesive pages.
Be careful when removing fragile photo prints, slides and negatives from boxes, sleeves and photo albums. Avoid touching of surface areas and do not force the pictures off from the photo album or from each other.
Another more permanent solution would be to professionally transfer them to CD or DVD.
If professionally scanned with specialized scanners, pictures, slides or negatives can then be digitally enhanced with specialized software to help restore the faded dyes to a point somewhere near to original appearance depending on the extend of the damage. Some minor scratches could also be repaired by qualified technicians. This solution has many benefits; not only the pictures will last a lifetime on a CD or DVD but can also be easily copied and share with family and friends all around the world.
Where scan your precious memories?, Looking for Scanning Services?
About the Author
When You're Strange Blu-ray Review
Tom DiCillo's documentary takes a look at a very peculiar band.
 |
 Lineco Black Gummed Archival Photo Album Corners  US $4.62 |  Lineco Olde White Gummed Archival Photo Album Corners US $4.62 |
 ARCHIVAL PHOTO PROTECTIVE SLEEVES 85X11 ALBUM SLEEVE US $26.95 |  Printfile 466P100 Archival Photo Album Pages for 6 4X6 US $28.95 |
 Print File G Archival Photo Album Pages 8x12in Prints 0600950 US $11.35 |  Lot John Porter kit Archival Photo Album set Scrapbook 12 x12 refills mounts US $25.00 |
 NIB 4x6 Photo Album by KT New York Kathleen Takushi Leopard Coat Archival US $14.40 |  BookCreek Baby Photo Album For Boy 4X6 photos archival acid free storage US $14.95 |
 Print File G Archival Photo Album Pages 4x6in Prints 0600900 US $8.95 |  European Leather Photo Album w Archival Paper Burgundy US $19.99 |
 European Leather Photo Album w Archival Quality Paper US $19.99 |  MOLLY WEST Handbound Books CRIMSON BLOOM 4x6 Archival Photo Album US $19.95 |
 TOP FLIGHT ALBUMS ARCHIVAL HOLDS OVER 180 PHOTOS ALBUM US $16.00 |  JOHN PORTER ARCHIVAL PHOTO ALBUM SCRAPBOOK REFILL PAGES 12 x 12 BLACK NEW US $2.95 |
 Printfile Archival Photo Album Pages for 6 4 x 6 Prints 100 Sheets 466P100 US $36.69 |  The Queen Mother Audio Book 2 Cassette Archival Photo Album Biography Tribute US $16.21 |
 John Porter Expandable 12 X 12 Archival Photo Album US $29.95 |  4x6 Print File Archival Photo Album 72 Prints Yellow US $15.95 |
 4x6 Print File Archival Photo Album 72 Prints Purple US $15.95 |  4x6 Print File Archival Photo Album 72 Prints Green New US $15.95 |
 5x7 Print File Archival Photo Album 48 Prints Purple US $15.95 |  Designer Collection 500 Pocket Ring Binder Album 500 Photos Archival Acid Free US $9.99 |
 12 X 12 John Porter Black Archival Photo Album KIT US $98.89 |  ARCHIVAL PHOTO TINTING NANCY TRIBOLET SCARPBOOK ALBUMS US $4.00 |
 Martha Stewart Crafts Archival Quality Pale Blue Photo Album NEW US $.99 |  PHOTO PROTECTIVE SLEEVES ARCHIVAL ALBUM SLEEVE 18x24 US $46.45 |
 ARCHIVAL PHOTO PROTECTIVE SLEEVES 11x14 ALBUM SLEEVE US $27.89 |  ARCHIVAL PHOTO PROTECTIVE SLEEVES 17X22 ALBUM SLEEVE US $32.54 |
 PHOTO PROTECTIVE SLEEVES 14x17 ARCHIVAL ALBUM SLEEVE US $29.76 |  ARCHIVAL PHOTO PROTECTIVE SLEEVES 18x24 ALBUM SLEEVE US $37.19 |
| Powered by phpBay Pro |
 | Winterland June 1977: The Complete Recordings (9 CD Boxed Set) Sale Price: $145.00  |
DescriptionWinterland June 1977: The Complete Recordings presents the legendary 3-night run (June 7, 8, 9) that marked the band's triumphant return from one of the greatest tours in rock 'n' roll history. Winterland's relaxed atmosphere truly brings out the best as the guys deliver six inspired sets of free-flowing creativity and peak musicianship... |
 | Photo tape gun - the hi-tech way to prepare your album - Sale Price: $6.50 |
Descriptionphoto albums: Ergonomically designed two-way archival tape gun. Designed especially for photos to insure optimal archival storage but perfect for other craft purposes like making greeting cards. Contains 32 feet of clear acid-free tape... |
 | Verbatim 96166 4.7 GB up to 16x LightScribe Gold Recordable Disc DVD-R (50-Disc Spindle) List Price: |
DescriptionVerbatim LightScribe 16x DVD-R Media 96166 DVD Media |
 | Pioneer 10 Compartment Memory Card Organizer List Price: |
DescriptionThis package contains 1 organizer that will hold up to 10 SD, SDHC, MicroSD, Memory Stick Pro Duo, XD, and more memory cards. The easy to use flip-open compartments securely protect each memory card. Identify each card using the individual memo areas... |
 | Verbatim 95005 700 MB 52x 80 Minute Inkjet Printable Recordable Disc CD-R - 50 Disc Spindle (Silver) List Price: |
DescriptionVerbatim 52x CD-R Media 95005 CD Media |
 | Epson T087320 - T087320 UltraChrome Hi-Gloss 2 Ink, Magenta-EPST087320 List Price: |
DescriptionCreate brilliant archival prints and design projects with UltraChrome Hi-Gloss 2 Ink. Advanced micro-encapsulated inks produce smudge-, fade-, and water-resistant prints. Your photos will benefit from immediate color stability without short-term color shifting found in dye inks... |
 | 20 (Twenty Pages) - BCW Pro 4-Pocket Page (3.5 X 5 Cards, Postcards or Photos) Sale Price: $1.50 |
DescriptionThe Pro 4-Pocket page is an acid free archival quality product that is perfect for storing 3.5 X 5 photographs or postcards. This product features high clarity and top loading pockets with strong welds... |
 | ScrapSMART® - Two Blue 12" x 12" Archival Scrapbook Album Kits - QCAS12B-2 List Price: |
DescriptionThis pack is for TWO Blue 12" x 12" Archival Scrapbook Album Kits. They are 100% archival which means you can store your scrapbook pages without the worry of the print rubbing off on the sheet protectors with wear over time... |
wherearetheynow
