Photo Storage and Handling

The precautions we take now to preserve our photographs can make a significant difference in how long they will last. By controlling the factors the affect their permanence, deterioration can be slowed and longevity enhanced.

Recommended Storage Environment

Photos should be stored in the dark at temperature below 70 F (the lower the better) and relative humidity between 30% and 50%, with daily fluctuations of no more than 5% in either. Avoid using an attic (too hot and humid is summer, too cold and dry in winter) or basement (too damp), and locations on exterior walls, in bathrooms, or over heat sources such as fireplaces or heat vents.

Many photocopiers emit ozone, so avoid their use near photo storage areas. Do not store or use harsh cleaning materials or those containing chlorine and other bleaches, oil-based paints, or varnishes near photographic materials. Avoid storing materials on the floor where they are more likely to be damaged by insects and rodents or water leaks.

Storage cabinets, enclosures, and boxes provide some protection from environmental fluctuations, dust and dirt, and harmful gases. Metal cabinets are preferable to wood as wood often generates harmful peroxides.

Recommended Storage Methods

Do not store photos in commercial grade albums. So-called 'magnetic' sheets can leave adhesive residue on images and vinyl pages have the potential to give off harmful fumes. The familiar old photo albums with black paper pages may also be made of unsafe materials. 

Store your photos in archival materials only. Archival materials can be purchased from most photo finishing suppliers and various online sources.

Old pictures can be mounted on archival paper pages using archival photo corners and then inserted into clear mylar or polypropylene pockets that are pre-punched for three-ring binders. More recent photos in standard sizes such as 4x6" and 5x7"can be stored in pocket pages made from inert polypropylene. 

In recent years, photo labs returned processed negatives in polyethylene pocket pages and mounted transparencies ("slides") in polypropylene boxes that appear to be safe, but to be absolutely sure they are protected, transfer them to archival pocket pages made from inert polypropylene. If old film negatives develop a vinegar odour, or warp and wrinkle, this is a sign that the plastic is deteriorating. Only cold storage using special enclosures and handling procedures can slow this process, and it is recommended that you consult a professional conservator if the negative is historically important. If you simply need to preserve the image in some form, or if repairs are required, a less costly alternative is to scan the negative (see Digital Scanning).   

You can also purchase archival enclosures for individual items made from paper or plastic. Paper enclosures made from non-acidic, lignin-free, buffered or non-buffered stock are less expensive than plastic enclosures, are opaque so reduce light exposure, and their porous quality protects photographs from humidity and gaseous pollutants. However, images must be removed from the enclosure to be viewed, placing them at risk. Transparent plastic enclosures made from uncoated polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene allow image viewing without removal and are more sturdy than paper, but are prone to buildup of static electricity and ferrotyping (moisture trapped inside the enclosure causing materials to stick to each another).

Storage containers made from archival paperboard (per ISO Standards 14523 and 10214) provide an additional protective barrier for pages or enclosures. Flat storage in boxes is recommended because it provides stable support, particularly for fragile materials. Boxes should never be over-filled with materials. If you store large quantities of photographs in an archival box and not in protectors, layer them between sheets of 100% acid free paper and place in a large polypropylene protector.

All protective materials for storing photos should pass the Photographic Activity Test (PAT) as described both by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in standard IT9.2-1988 and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in standard 18916:2007(E), Photography – Processed Photographic Materials – Photographic Activity Test for Enclosure Materials.

Handling Procedures

Carefully handle prints and negatives using clean and dry hands, or preferably wearing white cotton gloves (available at photo retailers). Try not to touch the image, only the edge or border. If removing photos from existing albums or other containers, be sure to remove any glue or tape resides, rubber bands, and staples or paper clips that could cause scratches or dents.

Marking Photos

If labelling of pictures is necessary, write gently on the back using a soft pencil. Do not use a pen -- the pressure can damage the photo and ink will fade over time. Do not use a permanent marker, they ink may bleed through the surface of the photo.