When keeping a photography collection, proper care is essential to maintain the condition and longevity of the photographs. Exposure to light, humidity, dust, and improper handling can cause fading, discoloration, and physical damage. By following these expert guidelines on framing, storage, and handling, you can ensure your photography collection remains in excellent condition for future generations.

Frame your photographs properly

Proper framing not only enhances the visual appeal of your photographs, it also serves as a protective barrier against environmental damage. Follow these key principles when framing your images:

• Use UV-protective glass: Sunlight and artificial light can cause photographs to fade over time. By opting for a high-quality protective glass, or acrylic glass, with UV-filtering properties, you can block out harmful UV rays and preserve your photos’ vibrancy. The best options are often labeled as “art glass” or “museum glass”, which is also anti-reflective.  
• Use acid-free materials: Naturally occurring acid in paper and framing materials can cause yellowing and deterioration and ruin your photographs over time. Therefore, ensure that all materials in direct contact with the photograph are 100% acid-free. Ensure that mat boards, mounting tape, photo corners, and backboards are labeled as acid-free or archival quality.
• Seal frames properly: A well-sealed frame prevents dust, moisture, and pollutants from reaching the print. The front glass should fit snugly, and the gap between the backboard and frame should be sealed with archival-quality sealing tape. 

Hang your photographs safely

Where and how you display your photographs can significantly impact their longevity. When deciding where to hang your framed works, consider these factors:

• Avoid direct sunlight: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to fading and discoloration. Choose a shaded wall or a location with controlled lighting to hang your photographs.
• Maintain stable temperatures: Fluctuating temperatures can cause expansion and contraction in photographs, leading to warping or cracking. Keep photos away from direct heat sources like radiators, fireplaces, and air conditioners. Aim for a consistent room temperature between 15-23°C (59-73°F) – the cooler the better. 
• Control humidity: High humidity can lead to mold growth, curling, and staining on photographs. Avoid hanging photos in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, where humidity levels are typically high. Aim for a relative humidity of 30-50%. A dehumidifier can help control moisture levels in humid climates.
• Secure wall mounting: Ensure your frames are securely hung to prevent accidental falls, which can cause significant damage. Use appropriate wall anchors and hooks based on the weight of the frame and the type of wall. Regularly check the stability of your frames.
• Air circulation: Poor air circulation can lead to moisture buildup behind the frame. Ensure sufficient airflow around your framed photos.
  

Store your photographs safely

Improper storage can lead to fading, warping, and deterioration. Follow these practices to prevent damage:

• Use archival-quality materials: Store photographs in acid-free archival boxes, sleeves, or folders. Polyester, polypropylene, and polyethylene sleeves are recommended for plastic sleeves. Older plastic sleeves are often made of PVC plastic, which is directly harmful to photos because they contain plasticizers, which will degrade over time and release harmful chemicals.
• Maintain a cool, dry, and dark environment: Store photographs in a cool, dry, and dark place to minimize fading and deterioration. Avoid attics, basements, and garages, which are prone to temperature and humidity fluctuations.
• Flat vs. upright storage: Store large prints horizontally in archival boxes to prevent curling and creases. Small prints can be stored upright in archival boxes or archival photo albums.
• Separate photos from other materials: Avoid storing photographs with other items, such as newspaper clippings, which can contain acids that damage photos.

Handling  your photographs safely

Frequent handling of prints increases the risk of smudges, creases, and physical damage. To keep your photographs in top condition:

• Wear cotton or nitrile gloves: Oils and dirt from bare hands can degrade the print surface over time. Wearing clean cotton or nitrile gloves minimizes this risk.
• Handle by the edges: Always pick up photos by their edges to avoid direct contact with the image area.
• Use a clean, dry surface: When inspecting or organizing prints, place them on a dust-free and dry surface to prevent accidental stains or scratches.
  

Additional preservation tips

• Regular inspections: Periodically inspect your photography collection for signs of damage, such as fading, mold, or warping.
• Professional conservation: For valuable or irreplaceable photographs, consult with a professional conservator for specialized care and restoration.
• Digitization: Secure your photos with digital backups and establish clear provenance. A digital database lets you link essential information to each image.