7 things you need to know about taking care of your photographs

Today's cameras (and phones!) do almost everything but point the lens, making it easier to take more photographs than ever, but not easier to take care of them. Here are seven things you need to know about preserving your photographs for years to come.

Our forebears meticulously preserved their photographs in albums. Today's colour photography actually requires more diligent care of snapshots than in years past.

• Photographs and digital files (or negatives) should be catalogued and stored on a regular basis.
• Colour transparencies should be stored in boxed projector trays or inside slide boxes.
• Label the containers clearly on the outside.
• Because light can adversely affect the dyes used in prints and negatives, store both in dark places, such as boxes or albums.
• Look for metal boxes or buy special cardboard or plastic boxes intended for long-term storage of photographic materials.
• Avoid boxes not specifically designed for photos.
• Many containers made of standard plastic, cardboard and wood include preservatives or volatile substances that can affect photographs and negatives over time.

Where you store albums and boxes of family photos is important. Here are the major considerations.

• When you buy a photo album, also be sure it is of archival quality.
• Magnetic albums, although common, are not a good choice. The cardboard covers can give off peroxides that stain the whites of prints, the plastic can give off gases that affect the images and the adhesives can transfer to the backs of prints, causing the photos to tear when the prints are removed.

• Temperatures over 23°C (75°F) can permanently damage photos or negatives, so don't store them in an attic that's not temperature-controlled, and keep them away from radiators, warm air registers and sunny windows.
• If you place photo-storage items near a wall, make sure it's not a wall with a chimney or hot-air duct behind it.

• Because high humidity can damage photographs and negatives, most basements are not suitable for storing photographs.
• Always store photographs and negatives at least 15 centimetres (six inches) above the floor on any level of the house in case water from an overflowing sink, burst pipe, backed-up sewer or leaky roof floods the room.

Chemicals found in household items such as mothballs, mildew inhibitors, wood preservatives, varnishes and wood glues can give off fumes that damage photos and negatives stashed in cupboards or drawers.

• Other chemical fumes that can harm photos include cleaners, foam-injected insulation, fabric treatments (such as permanent press and stain inhibitors), insecticides and paints.

Carpet beetles and other insects sometimes attack colour negatives. Don't store negatives, cameras or film in closets, cupboards, or drawers where you keep any fabric, which can attract egg-laying adult insects.

If you have old negatives of cherished pictures, or if you like to shoot with film yourself, preserving your negatives is imperative.

• If you display a favourite colour print, it will deteriorate over time from light, heat, humidity and chemical contaminants. Store its negative properly so you can make a new print later.
• Negative file sheets and binders are available in art and photo supply stores.
• Label the contents carefully for easy retrieval when you need them.

Preserving your photographs has never been easier! Get started with these smart tips and keep your photos (and memories) safe.