BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Film & Photo Preservation Information

Photography Question 

Beverly Joanne Hoover
 

Old Photographs That Are Fading


My brother has OLD Family black/white
photos (Early 1900's) that are fading from the bottom up.?
Hanging on outside wall in cool fairly dark room.
How much would/could the cold affect the loss of image? Thank you.


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December 05, 2003

 
- Gregory LaGrange

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  If you're asking me does cold temperature make photos fade quicker or why does a cold room seem to make pictures fade from the bottom up, I'm guessing that it might be an effect from humidity or moisture. I know many paper products are advised to be store in a cool, dry place. So maybe since they are hanging on an outside wall, that when the temp drops outside, that could cause a moisture build up that over time causes the photo to fade. And moist air is heavier than dry air, so gravity makes the bottom fade first.
But a photo from the 1900's, bound to have some signs of fading.


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December 05, 2003

 

doug Nelson
  These photos can and should be restored. Find a retouch person in your area and shell out the bucks, OR buy Elements 2 or Paintshop Pro (or Photoshop for $600) and learn to do it yourself in a community college course. If you have it done, be sure you get a CD with a full-resolution image for each job; an ink-jet print is as likely to fade as a store-made photo. Your great-grandchildren will thank you for it.


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December 06, 2003

 

Beverly Joanne Hoover
  Doug,Gregory:
Thanks so much for the information.
Most useful. Beverly J. Hoover


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December 17, 2003

 
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