Preserving Photographs part 2

1. Duplicate Images
1. Make extra prints and digital copies of photographs
1. Black and White Photo prints will outlast digital copies so do not pitch them
2. Each successive copy loses quality so only make 1st generation copies
2. Film is less stable so print up the negatives or slides and digitize them
3. To keep digital files long term scan as uncompressed TIFF files not JPG
1. JPG files lose information every time they are changed or resaved
2. To edit, crop or change, work from a copy
4. Back up digital files 
1. 3-2-1 - three copies, two different kinds of storage technology and one more location
1. Try and external hard drive and in the cloud such as Picasa or flickr
5. Keep up to date with the current storage method so the photos will not be lost.
1. I can not read anything stored on a floppy disk today!
2. Preserve and Store
1. Stand up photos, unsleeved but organized in an archival photo box which is acid free and lignin-free.  If stacking get boxes with reinforced corners.
1. www.archivalmethods.com
2. www.hollingermetaledge.com
2. Do not do air tight containers.  They need and air flow, something breathable
3. Beware of "photo safe" or "archival" labels.  Make sure acid and lignin free
4. Dyed boxes are risky - color could leach
5. Place valuable or fragile originals in individual photo sleeves made of archival polyester that is chemically inert.
1. These are expensive - can substitute polypropylene sleeves
6. Archival albums - 
1. album pages should be archival paper: acid-free, lignin-free and preferably buffered to slow acid migration
2. Page protectors - polypropylene
3. Album covers - buckram fabric, leather, bonded leather and leatherette no vinyl covers
7. Store on a main level in the house where the temperature is steady
8. Do not frame originals but high quality copies instead
9. Damage from sunlight, and acid are permanent to photos