Hi friends! Today, I’m talking about how to help preserve your old photos so they continue to live on. Vintage photographs are more than just images; they’re windows into the past, capturing moments that tell stories of our ancestors, cultures, and histories. Preserving these treasures ensures that future generations can experience the same joy and connection we do today.
Here’s some tips for how to keep them in the best possible shape. We want our treasured memories around for many years to pass down to future generations.
✋ Handle with Care
Always handle your vintage photos with clean hands or, preferably, wear cotton gloves. Oils and dirt from your fingers can cause irreversible damage over time. When possible, hold photos by the edges to avoid touching the image surface.
🌞 Keep Them Out of the Sun
Exposure to direct sunlight can cause photos to fade and deteriorate. Store your photos in a cool, dry place, away from windows and direct light. A temperature below 75°F (24°C) and relative humidity between 30-40% are ideal for preservation. My husband is a retired professional photographer and he preached this to me all the time about our photos and he meticulously handles his vintage postcards in the same way that he sells in his eBay store.
📦 Use Archival-Quality Storage
Store your photos in acid-free, lignin-free boxes or albums. Avoid using regular photo albums with PVC sleeves, as they can release harmful chemicals over time. Archival-quality materials protect your photos from environmental factors that can cause deterioration.
💻 Digitize for Backup
Scanning your photos creates digital copies that can be shared and preserved without risking damage to the originals. Store these digital files in multiple locations, such as external hard drives and cloud storage, to ensure their safety. We scan our photos and postcards on our Epson ES-400 II scanners and upload to our Google DRIVE account. We also keep backups on external hard drives and jump drives.
🧾 Label and Document
Properly label each photo with relevant information, such as names, dates and locations. This documentation adds context and value, making it easier for future generations to understand the significance of each image.
By caring for our photos with intention, we’re not only preserving memories but also safeguarding the history and stories that define us. And with National Save Your Photos Day coming up on Saturday, September 27, 2025, it’s the perfect reminder to set aside a little time to protect these treasures.
Whether that means scanning a few fragile prints, backing up digital albums, or replacing old sleeves with archival-safe ones, every small effort makes a big difference. By doing so, we ensure our memories can be shared with our children, friends, and loved ones for many years to come.
📚 Recommended Reading
For further insights into preserving your vintage photos, consider exploring these resources:
- How to Store Old Photos and Preserve Precious Memories Forever – Right at Home
- The Do’s and Don’ts for Preserving Old Family Photos at Home – Family History Daily
And be sure to check out my other article, “What to look for in a Vintage Photo”, plus you can listen to these two episodes why I love vintage photos so much → Episode 1 “Why sell Vintage Photos?” & Episode 2, “What to Look for in a Great Vintage Photograph”
