Photographs are often the most cherished materials in family collections. Simple precautions will insure these images will be passed on to future generation.

• Wear cotton gloves when handling photographs or negatives.
  
  
• Store prints and negatives separately.
  


• Store black & white photos and color photos separately.
  


• Always label or index your photos. You may recognize the images, others may not.
   


• Make reprints, photocopies, color copies, or scans and store the original photo.
  


• Avoid careless handling which will cause abrasions, tears, or breakage.
  


• Light damage (UV or Sun) is cumulative and irreversible.
  


• Keep photos in acid free/ archival quality containers (similar to paper).
  


• As much as possible, control the temperature and relative humidity of the storage area.
  


• Avoid damp basements or steamy attics.
  


• Write on the back of photos with soft lead or stabilo pencil (no pen!!)
  


• Avoid adhesives on photographs such as self-adhesive tape and rubber cement