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When making a decision about a wedding photography
package, couples often ask, "Will the negatives
be included for us to keep?" The answer varies.
Some photographers prefer to keep the negatives
because the photographer or studio is skilled
at preserving these precious originals.
If couples do purchase the negatives or have
them included in their wedding package price,
the responsibility for preserving these important
originals falls to the couple. Here are some guidelines
that should be followed for the safest storage.
Quick Guide
Negatives should be stored in archival negative
sleeves and the sleeves placed inside an acid-free
box. The box should be clearly labeled.
Place a desiccant (silica gel pouch) inside the
box to prevent mold and mildew.
Store in a cool and humidity controlled room.
Safe Handling of Negatives
Negatives are most easily damaged when they are
removed from the archival sleeves. Dust, scratches
and fingerprints can result when negatives are
removed from the protective sleeves. Negatives
can be permanently ruined if bent or creased.
This can happen with any negatives but especially
larger (medium format) negatives are prone to
creases from improper handling. If you must remove
the negatives from the archival sleeves, handle
them only by the edges with cotton gloves.
You can avoid removing the negatives from the
archival sleeves by simply viewing them while
they are in the sleeves. Negatives do not need
to be removed from the archival sleeves until
they are at the lab to be printed.
If you wish to only print a part of the image
or 'crop' the image, follow the instructions of
the photography lab that is printing the negatives.
Sometimes, special negative sleeves and cropping
guide tools are used. The lab can provide these,
or, if you order prints over a customer service
counter, the customer service person will assist
you.
Storage of Negatives
Room temperature will work well for short term
storage. However, long term storage of negatives
calls for special care. Relative humidity should
be kept below 60 percent. Using a room dehumidifier
and silica gel helps further control the humidity
inside the box. Keep the storage containers away
from windows, radiators, and warm air registers.
Coolest possible temperatures are best for long-term
storage.
Light can affect the photographic dyes in color
negatives. Storage temperatures for true black
and white negatives is not as critical as for
color negatives. Some newer types of black and
white negatives are actually black and white images
recorded on film that contains color dyes. Check
with your photographer to get the specific name
and type of film you have.
While humidity and heat control is still important,
fading due to light exposure is a further concern
for color negatives. It is best to place negatives
in metal drawers or file boxes. Metal is superior
to wood or plastic because woods and plastics
may contain volatile substance that can adversely
affect your negatives. Properly stored color negatives
can be printed many times without noticeable fading.
Protection from humidity, heat, and light combined
with careful handling to avoid dust, scratches
and bending will ensure that negatives will last
for many years to come.
By JACK SAADY - The
Wedding Photojournalist Association
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