California Views
The Pat Hathaway Photo Collection
Mr. Pat Hathaway, Photo Archivist
Historic Monterey, California • (831) 373-3811
Historic Monterey, California • (831) 373-3811
Family photos are precious links to our past. They include cherished school pictures and portraits of ancestors. These images capture moments that shape our lives. But, they are also at risk of damage.
The materials in photos can be fragile. Color images may fade or change color over time. This can make them look reddish. Also, photos not processed right can get yellow or brown stains.
To keep these memories alive for the future, we must store and handle photos carefully. Experts say the key is to do no harm. Every action, from touching a photo to where it’s stored, must be done with care. By using effective photo preservation techniques, we can slow down damage and keep our memories safe.
Preserving photographs requires knowing archival techniques. The right handling and workspace setup are key. This section will cover the best ways to keep your photos in top shape.
First, create a safe workspace for photo preservation. It should be clean, dry, and organized. Avoid food and drinks to prevent spills.
Always handle photos with clean hands or gloves. This is critical for fragile formats like daguerreotypes and tintypes. For paper prints, clean hands are better than gloves for handling.
Support photos from beneath with two hands or stiff mat board. This prevents accidental drops.
After safe handling, pick the right enclosures. Not all materials are good for long-term storage. Look for materials that pass the Photographic Activity Test (PAT) as outlined in ISO 18902.
Choose plastic sleeves made from stable, uncoated polyester, polyethylene, or polypropylene. These materials let you view photos without touching them. Paper enclosures, on the other hand, offer better support and block light, making them great for dark storage.
By following these tips, you can keep your photos safe. For more on preserving and conserving photos, see this annotated bibliography.
Preserving your favorite photos is easier with advice from archivists. They say the right place to store them is key. A controlled environment helps your photos last longer.
Archivists suggest a relatively dry spot with 30-50% humidity and a cool 70°F or below. This keeps your photos safe from damage. Changes in temperature and humidity can harm them.
Don’t store photos in attics or basements. These places have extreme conditions. Instead, choose a closet on an interior wall, away from vents and damp areas.
Also, keep photos away from light. Store them in dark, well-ventilated places to prevent fading. Use archival materials for storage to keep your photos safe.
Identifying your photos is also important. Archivists say a photo without context is less meaningful. For example, Florence Smithson, at 83, identified children in a 1941 photo, showing the value of knowing the story behind each image.
When labeling photos, don’t use regular ink or markers. They can damage your photos over time. Use a soft #2 pencil on the back edge of a print. For more detailed stories, type the information on archival bond paper and keep it with the photo. This way, the who, what, when, and where are preserved as well as the photo itself.
Keeping historical photos safe is tough. Many things can harm them, like the environment and how we handle them. Knowing these risks is key for anyone who cares about photo preservation.
Light is a big enemy of photos. Color and digital prints can fade fast when they get too much light. This includes sunlight and artificial light. To keep them safe, store photos in dark places and limit how often you show them. Showing digital copies instead of originals is a good idea.
Air pollutants are also a threat. Things like ozone and cooking oils can damage photos. To protect them, use sealed containers for storage. Always handle photos gently. Never try to force open a rolled photo, as it can crack. Don’t use glue or tape for repairs, as they can cause more harm. If a photo gets damaged, it’s best to get help from a professional conservator.
Physical damage is another big worry. Trying to fix photos can sometimes make things worse. Always be careful and ask for help when needed.
Digital photos face their own challenges in today’s world. While they don’t fade like prints do, they can get lost due to technology issues. Hard drives can fail, files can get corrupted, and formats can become outdated. So, it’s important to have a good backup plan for digital photos. This way, even if the original format goes out of date, the photos will stay safe.
| Threat | Impact | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Light Exposure | Fading and yellowing | Store in dark conditions; display digital copies |
| Airborne Pollutants | Oxidation and staining | Use sealed enclosures |
| Physical Damage | Cracks and adhesive stains | Handle with care; avoid tape/glue |
| Digital Obsolescence | Inaccessibility of files | Implement robust backup strategies |
By knowing these challenges, you can take steps to keep your historical photos safe. For more tips on preserving your photos, check out this resource.
The world of photo preservation is changing fast. Digitization is key in keeping images safe. High-resolution scans act as backups, letting the originals stay untouched.
This approach helps avoid damage from being handled or shown. It keeps the original photos in top shape.
For fragile photos, using flatbed scanners is best. This method avoids harm during scanning. For bigger photos, like an 11×14 inch one, scan in parts and merge them digitally.
These digital versions can be printed or shared. The originals can then be stored safely.
Keeping photos away from light is important. Using copies for display is safest. If showing originals, use frames with UV-filtering glass or acrylic.
For color photos and film negatives, cold storage is key. Keeping them at 40°F or below helps them last longer. This method is becoming more common among collectors.
As tech improves, using these methods will become more widespread. Embracing digitization and cold storage helps keep our visual history safe for the future.