Old Photograph's life span?

[RozR]

I have two old photographs that a customer brought in. Vintage 1930s... and both have a very metallic look to the edge and certain parts of the surface - where there is more "darkness" in the image. Emulsion chemistry of some sort.

My question: Do I frame the originals - which don't have the best contrast because of the above problem? Or do I ask the customer to get prints of the original and frame those?

ANother question: Even if these are framed with full conservation materials, will this emulsion be stable or do you think it will continue to get worse?

In a quandry.... thanks for any input.

Roz

[FrameMakers]

In a perfect world...

Copies should be made for display. The originals should be stored in an archival, dark and enviromentaly controled location.

Back to the real world. The emulsion will generally worsen over time and at a excelerated rate once displayed. Professional photo restorers can work miracals.

If the client opts to display the originals I would suggest op-3 acrylic or the like.

[Ron Eggers]

The same phenomenon you're seeing in the originals will make them difficult to copy unless done expertly. Wal-Mart would not be my first choice.

The originals may deteriorate further, but I believe the process will be so gradual that you and I aren't going to see it.

Even when framing the original (which most people seem to prefer) I usually recommend getting a film or digital copy made and stored in a safe, separate location.

[katman]

Making the digital copy of this could be a difficult project if the deterioration is significant. When scanned, some areas of the photo will look like they have a metalflake paint overcoat. You could see this effect even in areas that don't appear damaged when inspected visually. Retouching the scanned photo to remove the "metalflake" can require considerable computer time.

[John Gornall]

That metalic appearance in the darker areas is actually silver (the silver content of those old photo papers was very high) burnished by years of rubbing against the album page on top of it. If copied on a simple digital system such as a Kodak Picture Maker it will look odd (usually bluish) in the copy print. This can be eliminated by making a print as a true "black and white" print. However most old photos are not black and white - actually cream and brown and must be copied in color to look like the original. Scanned by an experienced digital photo operator it should look better than new. Often the new copies are on glossy papers - put a matte laminate on the print to make it look like the original. Also have the digital file put on CD to be stored along with the original. And now that you have a digital file don't forget to sell the customer a few more framed copies for the rest of the family. Our record from one digital photo copy job is 37 custom frames!! A good way to expand your framing business is to get to know a photo digital service and become knowledgeable on this subject.

[RozR]

John - I like the add-on sales approach!! Great!! I know that will be the case for these!! Worth the effort/cost to get a good digital done! And since I am in the "imaging capital" - Rochester NY - my photo shop will be my first stop!! Thanx!