Handling
Handling photographs requires causing as little undue stress as possible, such as tearing, bending, folding, abrasions, and staining of the surface of the image.
The use of lint free cotton or nitrile gloves are recommended as well as thoroughly washing and drying hands if gloves are not available. Damage may occur due to the oils in human skin and cause staining, dirt and grime to build up on the photograph. Improper handling can cause significant deterioration and damage.
A rigid support should be used to protect photographs and negatives when they are being moved or handled.
Negatives should be treated as well as the photographs themselves.
Photographs should be labeled on the non-image side on the edges with a lead pencil or china marker.
Storage
A number of factors influence storage decisions
– condition of the photographs;
– frequency of use;
– space;
– environmental conditions, and
– financial resources available.
A cool, dry, well-ventilated storage environment for most photographs is a temperature of 68°F and 30-40 percent relative humidity. Negatives benefit from cooler storage conditions with temperatures between 30–40°F and 30–40 percent relative humidity.
An excellent storage method for photographs is to place the print in a mat. Mats provide a great deal of protection from physical damage and also provide some degree of protection from pollutants and environmental fluctuations. A paper folder or a polyester “L” sleeve with a piece of 2-ply board for support can be good solutions when a mat is not a feasible option.
Prints larger than 8 x 10 inches should be shelved horizontally. If vertical shelving is chosen, make certain the document box is well supported on the shelf. Rolling of photographs should be avoided since the photograph may crack when it is unrolled for use.
If the photograph is stored framed, check that the matting and hinging/attachment is appropriate and of high quality materials. If there is no appropriate storage for framed items, remove the photograph from the frame.
Mounted photographs that are fragile or brittle may be stabilized with a rigid support such as 4-ply matboard inside a protective enclosure or by placement into a sink mat for protection.
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