Prints, Negatives, Slides

• Handle prints by edges only.
• Keep loose photos in containers in cool, dry places.
• The packet enclosing developed prints works for storage, especially if you keep it in the outer envelope.
• On the envelope, mark the dates (if they aren't printed on the print) and the subject of the contents. Never write on the surface of a print; write on the back only with special photographic marking pens.
• Store in acid-free paper or inert plastic boxes, separated by date or subject. Put a package of silica gel inside the box to absorb moisture.

 

• Reprinting from negatives results in better quality than copying photos themselves, so keep negatives safe.
• Never touch the surface of negatives and never cut them apart.
• Use uncoated polyester or polypropylene sleeves enclosed in paper envelopes for storage; and indicate which set of pictures came from the negatives.
• Keep in a dust-resistant case or import the disk of negatives to your hard drive for digital storage.

 

• Remember that slides are originals and no negatives of these transparencies exist.
• Protect slides by storing them in acid-free or metal, baked-enamel-finish boxes or in polypropylene slide pages.
• Leaving slides in projector carousels subjects them to moisture, which causes warping, and dust contamination.