Between generations, old photographs are a great way to preserve history.If you want to save old photos, there are easy ways to make sure they don't get damaged.If you want to keep prints, keep them in individual sleeves so they don't get damaged.If you want to back up your photos, scanning them will allow you to access them on a computer.You will be able to keep your photos looking great with proper storage.
Step 1: If you organize your prints in chronological order, they will be easier to find.
Group your photos based on how old they are.If you can remember where you put your photos, you don't need to get the order perfect.If you don't want to save photos that are poor-quality, remove them.You can sort by location or who is in the picture if you don't know the chronological order.Break the job into smaller pieces so you don't get overwhelmed.It is a good idea to wash your hands before handling old photographs.
Step 2: If you still want to look through your photos, you should use a photo album.
You can get a photo album that uses sleeved pages.You can put 1 picture in each slot on the album pages.You can use the lines on the page to write a description of the picture.Big box stores and photography shops have photo albums with different cover designs.You can write descriptions on the back of the photos with a pen or marker.Some photo albums have a set amount of bound pages while others allow you to add more later on.Pick a style that works for you.It's best to use a photo album that is 5 by 7 inches (13 cm 18 cm) or smaller.
Step 3: Place individual prints in acid-free sleeves.
Protect your photos from fading with acid-free sleeves.Get sleeves that match the size of your prints so that your photos don't get damaged.Only use one photo per sleeve, and use a felt-tip marker to label the sleeve or the back of the photo with a description.You can buy acid-free sleeves online.Don't use a pen to write on the sleeves or photos since you could leave dents.If you don't have acid-free sleeves for larger prints, you can use manilla envelopes.
Step 4: The photos should be stored in acid-free boxes.
If you want your photos to stand up straight and be labeled acid-free, you should get a tall storage box.Before closing the box, make sure the photos don't move around or shift out of place.You can buy acid-free photo storage boxes.If you can't stand the photos up straight, lay them flat on the bottom of the box and stack them to prevent them from getting damaged.You can use a shoebox if you can't get an acid-free storage box.
Step 5: The area has a low humidity and is below 75 F.
Under your bed, in a closet, or inside of a cabinet drawer are places that don't receive a lot of light.Since it could damage your photos, make sure the temperature doesn't go over 75 F.If you don't check the humidity using a hygrometer, your photos will age more quickly.The photos can warp if they are stored in a garage, attic, or basement.If you are storing photos in a storage unit, make sure you have control over the climate.
Step 6: In areas that don't get constant light, display old photos with archival frames.
If you want to slow down the aging process of your photos, choose frames with archival glass.If you want the photos to last longer, put them on walls that are out of direct sunlight.When you are not in the room with the photos, close the curtains and turn off the lights.You can display multiple photos so they don't age as quickly.
Step 7: Use a lint-free cloth and a lens cleaner to clean the glass.
The scanning surface is glass.To remove dust from the glass, spray the lens cleaner onto the cloth and wipe it with a circular motion.If there are streaks on the glass, they will be visible on your photos when you take them.Dust won't land on the glass if the scanner is closed.You can find a scanner at your local library or print shop if you don't have one at home.
Step 8: The TIFF should be at 600dpi if the scanner is set to set.
Check the output file format by accessing the scanner properties on your computer.The scans run at the highest quality if you look through the list of file types.You can change the photo'sdpi to 600 so that it doesn't change when scanned.You can use JPG for similar results if you can't use TIFF as a file format.If you don't want to enlarge the photos, you can try a 300dpi setting.
Step 9: Take your photos with you when you use the scanner.
You can make the process move faster by taking 3–4 pictures at the same time.The sides with the images face down if the pictures are against the glass.Don't hang the photos off the glass.The photos shouldn't move around if the cover is closed.Some scanning software can make you crop your photos later.
Step 10: Scan the images with your computer.
If you press the preview button on your computer, you can see if the photos look good.If you like how the photos look after the preview, you can type in a short file name into the box on your screen.You could name a file so that you can find it later.
Step 11: Your photos can be uploaded to a cloud storage site.
As long as you are connected to the internet, cloud storage sites give you a set amount of space.Pick a plan that matches how much storage you need and look for a cloud service that meets your needs.They can save the photos by uploading them to the cloud.If there is a problem with your cloud services, keep copies of your scanned photos on your computer.If you want more storage, you can pay for it.
Step 12: If you have pictures on your phone, you should have a storage app on it.
If you misplace your phone, you don't have to worry about uploading your pictures to the internet.Look for a storage app that you can use.Allow the app to access the photos on your device so they can be uploaded to the cloud and you can access them anywhere.Many large cloud storage services have apps that allow you to access photos from your computer as well.
Step 13: If you want to have physical backups of your files, you need to copy them onto external hard drives or CDs.
Plug an external drive into your computer that is large enough to hold all of your photos.Place the scanned photos in a folder on your computer so you can easily copy them.If your computer crashes, make a copy of that folder and put it on a hard drive or CD.External hard drives can be purchased from electronics stores.If you can't burn your files at home, many photo departments offer services to transfer them to a CD.