Obviously the majority of us amateur photographers do not care as much about how to properly handle a photograph. But it can make a huge difference in how long your photographs will last and how much damage is done. Therefore, proper handling of a photograph is an important thing to learn, especially if you are at all interested in passing your photographs down to generations to come.
Clean Hands
One would think that this would be common sense, but you would be amazed at how many people handle photographs over lunch at a cafe with friends or dinner with relatives. Before handling photographs wash your hands. Period. This is the biggest safety precaution you can take. It helps to cleanse the hands of natural oils which can be left behind on prints.
Do Not Touch the Surface
Do not touch the surface of the photograph. Again, one of those common sense things that people just do not do. They hold them like a book or point to someone in the picture leaving residues and oils from their fingers behind. Holding the edges between your fingers in the easiest method to keep them as clean as possible. If you do see that a smudge or oils have gotten on your photographs, wipe them clean as quickly as possible with a cotton cloth designed specifically for photographs. These can usually be purchased at most camera stores. Your lens cloth will usually work in a bind.
Lint-Free Cotton Gloves
This goes a bit to the extreme, but as a scrapbooker myself, I know the importance of properly handling the photographs for longevity. Just a little bit of oil from your fingertips left on the print can cause very rapid damage. If you can obtain a pair of cotton gloves, do it. It is just another safety precaution but should be taken seriously.
Please protect your precious memories. Something as easy as keeping hands clean and not touching photographs is such an easy way to keep them safe. For more great advice and photography articles, see the photography blog.
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Properly Handling a Photograph
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Nicole Humphrey writes about everything related to scrapbooking in the Scrapbooking Blog, saving money and living a frugal lifestyle in the Frugal Blog, and being the best photographer you can be in the Photography Blog. She enjoys guest blogging on a variety of topics as well, and you can read more of her articles by clicking here.