Do you have a box of old family photos collecting dust on a shelf somewhere? A grandparent’s photo album left forgotten in a drawer? Do you know the people pictured? Are they labeled? Do you know their stories?
Those family photos are priceless windows into your family history. Preserving Old Family Photos today will give your children, grandchildren and generations beyond a chance to know their family history.
Below are a few tips for preserving old family photos…
Preserving Old Family Photos
Label, Label, Label!
It’s all too easy for priceless information to be lost as memories fade and family photos are passed from one generation to the next. Take the time to write down the names, places, and dates that go with the images. Use an acid-free marker or #2 pencil when writing on the back of old photos, never a ball point pen.
Choose Photo-Safe Storage
Your old family photos are your family’s legacy, so why are they relegated to a dusty box? Changes in temperature and humidity can damage these fragile heirlooms. Instead, store your old family photos in acid free photo-safe albums or archival boxes. Avoid storing in the basement or attic in favor of a more temperature controlled environment.
Handle Old Photos with Care
Unseen chemicals, moisture and oils on your hands can speed deterioration. Always work with clean dry hands and, if possible, wear cotton gloves. When handling old family photos, hold by their edges and avoid touching the images themselves. Make sure any surface you work on is clean and dry.
Avoid Natural Light
Old photos are light sensitive and can fade quickly if exposed to direct sunlight. Avoid viewing or displaying yours in such conditions. For best protection when displaying old family photos, use an acid free mat and archival glass when framing.
Scan Your Old Photos
While nothing can replace the beautiful black and white images of an old photo, having only one hard copy leaves your legacy vulnerable to floods, fires, and other disasters. Scan your old family photos onto a computer or thumb-drive to give you the extra safeguard of a digital image.
Distribute Copies
Making sure everyone has a copy of your old family photos is important, especially as families grow and spread out. Print out the best photos for everyone and distribute at Thanksgiving or Christmas. That way, you know they will have access to those images and stories in years to come.
Post to a Family Website
Another way everyone can enjoy old family photos is to post them to a Family Website. There you can include information about your history, traditions, recipes and updates along with old photos. A family website is also a great way to keep everyone up-to-date on family happenings!
Your photos are priceless family heirlooms. Ensure your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will know their family story with these tips for preserving old family photos.
~ Family Legacy Videos ~
Give your parent or grandparent the gift of a lifetime by capturing their life story for your family to know!
Here at Family Tree Video we produce Legacy Videos, modern-day memoirs that weave a filmed interview with a parent or grandparent together with family photos, documents, maps and other memorabilia. The result is a beautiful “Moving Portrait” capturing your loved one sharing their life story, family history and memories – a gift your family will treasure for generations to come.
To learn more about giving the gift of a Legacy Video, visit us at FamilyTreeVideo.com.
Family Tree Video, LLC
Legacy Video Production
Since 2008
Susan Saunders
(312) 402-6406
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Preserving Old Family Photos
“There are only two lasting bequests we can give our children.
One is roots, and the other, wings.” — H. S. Carter
Preserving Old Family Photos
Legacy Videos
Capturing Life Stories and Family History
for Future Generations
~ The Gift of a Lifetime ~
Family Tree Video
Video Biographies ~ Family History Videos ~ Video Memoirs
Family Documentaries ~ Anniversary Videos
Video Tributes ~ Heirloom Videos
Preserving Old Family Photos
~ Legacy Videos ~