Preserving Old Photographs

Old family photographs are often the only visual record we have of the people who came before us. A wedding portrait from the 1940s, a faded studio photograph of a great-grandfather, a group picture taken in front of the ancestral home — each one is irreplaceable.

Unfortunately, photographs deteriorate. Humidity, sunlight, dust, and careless handling slowly destroy them. The good news is that with a little care, you can preserve these treasures and share them with generations to come.

Scanning Your Photographs

• Use a flatbed scanner rather than a phone camera whenever possible — it produces even lighting and sharper detail.

• Scan at 600 dpi or higher so faces and handwriting remain clear when enlarged.

• Clean the scanner glass and gently dust the photograph with a soft, dry cloth before scanning.

• Save a master copy in TIFF or high-quality PNG, and make smaller JPEG copies for sharing.

Handling and Cleaning

• Wash and dry your hands, or wear clean cotton gloves, before touching old prints.

• Never use water, erasers, or adhesive tape on a photograph.

• Hold photographs by their edges and work on a clean, flat surface.

Storing the Originals

• Keep photographs in acid-free albums or archival sleeves, away from direct sunlight.

• Store them in a cool, dry part of the home — not the attic or a damp cupboard.

• Write names, dates, and places on the album page, never on the photograph itself.

Once your photographs are scanned, upload them to your family tree so every relative — near or far — can see the faces behind the names.