Editing Photograph (section)

==Preservation==

===Paper folders===
Ideal photograph storage involves placing each photo in an individual folder constructed from buffered, or [[acid-free paper]].<ref name="Albright" /> Buffered paper folders are especially recommended in cases when a photograph was previously mounted onto poor quality material or using an [[adhesive]] that will lead to even more [[acid]] creation.<ref>Norris, Debbie Hess. "Caring for Your Photographic Collections." Library of Congress. 9 Feb. 2008, [https://www.loc.gov/preserv/care/photo.html LOC.gov] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110213171731/http://www.loc.gov/preserv/care/photo.html |date=13 February 2011 }}</ref> Store photographs measuring 8x10 inches or smaller vertically along the longer edge of the photo in the buffered paper folder, within a larger archival box, and label each folder with relevant information to identify it. The rigid nature of the folder protects the photo from slumping or creasing, as long as the box is not packed too tightly or under filled. Folder larger photos or [[brittleness|brittle]] photos stacked flat within archival boxes with other materials of comparable size.<ref>"How Should I Store my Photographic Prints?" Preservation and Archives Professionals. The National Archives and Records Administration. 9 February 2008, [https://www.archives.gov/preservation/family-archives/storing-photos.html Archives.gov] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150613071636/http://www.archives.gov/preservation/family-archives/storing-photos.html |date=13 June 2015 }}</ref>

===Polyester enclosures===
The most stable of plastics used in photo preservation, [[polyester]], does not generate any harmful chemical elements, nor does it have any capability to absorb [[acids]] generated by the photograph itself. Polyester sleeves and encapsulation have been praised for their ability to protect the photograph from [[humidity]] and environmental [[pollutants|pollution]], slowing the reaction between the item and the atmosphere. This is true, however the polyester just as frequently traps these elements next to the material it is intended to protect. This is especially risky in a storage environment that experiences drastic fluctuations in humidity or temperature, leading to ferrotyping, or sticking of the photograph to the plastic.<ref name="Albright" /> Photographs sleeved or encapsulated in polyester cannot be stored vertically in boxes because they will slide down next to each other within the box, bending and folding, nor can the [[archivist]] write directly onto the polyester to identify the photograph. Therefore, it is necessary to either stack polyester protected photographs horizontally within a box, or bind them in a three ring binder.  Stacking the photos horizontally within a flat box will greatly reduce ease of access, and binders leave three sides of the photo exposed to the effects of light<ref name="IOS">International Organization for Standardization. ISO 18902:2001(E). [[Geneva, Switzerland]]: [[International Organization for Standardization|ISO]] Office, 2007.</ref> and do not support the photograph evenly on both sides, leading to slumping and bending within the binder. The plastic used for enclosures has been manufactured to be as frictionless as possible to prevent scratching photos during insertion to the sleeves. Unfortunately, the slippery nature of the enclosure generates a build-up of [[static electricity]], which attracts [[dust]] and lint particles. The static can attract the dust to the inside of the sleeve, as well, where it can scratch the photograph.<ref name="Albright" /> Likewise, these components that aid in insertion of the photo, referred to as slip agents, can break down and transfer from the plastic to the photograph, where they deposit as an oily film, attracting further lint and dust. At this time, there is no test to evaluate the long-term effects of these components on photographs. In addition, the plastic sleeves can develop kinks or creases in the surface, which will scratch away at the [[emulsion]] during handling.<ref name="IOS" />

===Handling and care===
It is best to leave photographs lying flat on the table when viewing them. Do not pick it up from a corner, or even from two sides and hold it at eye level. Every time the photograph bends, even a little, this can break down the [[emulsion]].<ref>Baggett, James L. "Handle with Care: Photos." Alabama Librarian.
54.1 (2004): 5.</ref> The very nature of enclosing a photograph in plastic encourages users to pick it up; users tend to handle plastic enclosed photographs less gently than non-enclosed photographs, simply because they feel the plastic enclosure makes the photo impervious to all mishandling. As long as a photo is in its folder, there is no need to touch it; simply remove the folder from the box, lay it flat on the table, and open the folder. If for some reason the researchers or [[archivist]]s do need to handle the actual photo, perhaps to examine the [[recto and verso|verso]] for writing, they can use gloves if there appears to be a risk from oils or dirt on the hands.