How to Identify Common Photographic Damage

Photographic damage is a common concern for anyone who values their visual heritage. As time passes, your photographs can deteriorate due to various factors. As owners of these memories, it's crucial to understand common photographic damage and how to prevent it. In this blog, we will explore the most common types of damage that photographs can suffer from as well as how different climatic conditions can influence the susceptibility of photographs to these damages.

Common Types of Photographic Damage:

Fading and Discoloration:

• Identification: Fading is often characterized by a gradual loss of color vibrancy or a noticeable shift in hue. Discoloration manifests as a yellowing or browning of the photographic image, typically more pronounced along the edges.

• Climatic Influence: Fading and discoloration are particularly prevalent in regions with intense sunlight and high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Places such as arid desert climates (e.g., Sahara Desert) or hotter areas near the Equator, are more prone to these types of damage.

Emulsion Cracks:

• Identification: Emulsion cracks are tiny fissures or fine lines that appear on the surface of photographic prints, primarily gelatin-based ones. They can be subtle and may not always affect the overall image quality.

• Climatic Influence: Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can exacerbate emulsion cracking. Regions with extreme seasonal variations, like continental climates, where temperatures can shift dramatically between seasons, are susceptible to this type of damage.

Silvering:

• Identification: Silvering is characterized by a silvery sheen or mirroring effect that develops on the photograph's surface, especially common in black and white prints. It can diminish the image's clarity and detail.

• Climatic Influence: Coastal regions or areas with high humidity levels, such as parts of Southeast Asia, can accelerate silver mirroring due to exposure to moisture in the air. Humidity exacerbates the oxidation of metallic silver in photographs.

Mold and Mildew:

• Identification: Mold and mildew growth on photographs appears as fuzzy or powdery patches on the image surface, often accompanied by staining or discoloration. These growths can spread rapidly. If your photo feels fuzzy, has unsightly spots, or smells musty, it might be harboring mold or mildew.

• Climatic Influence: Warm and humid environments, typical of tropical climates, provide ideal conditions for mold and mildew to thrive. High humidity levels promote the growth and spread of these damaging microorganisms.

Sticky Residue:

• Identification: Sticky residue refers to adhesive residues, marks, or stains left behind from tape or other attachments. It can mar the photograph's appearance and integrity.

• Climatic Influence: Sticky residue refers to adhesive residues, marks, or stains left behind from tape or other attachments. It can mar the photograph's appearance and integrity.

Tears and Creases:

• Identification: Tears, creases, and folds are physical forms of damage resulting from mishandling or accidents. They can visibly disrupt the image and its overall structural integrity.

• Climatic Influence: Tear and crease damage isn't inherently linked to climate. However, in regions with high humidity, paper-based photographs can become more pliable, potentially making them more susceptible to creasing if not handled with care.

Insects and Termites:

• Identification: Look for tiny holes, irregular patterns of damage, or tunnels in the photo paper. Insects like silverfish, booklice, and termites can leave behind distinct evidence of their presence. If you notice irregular damage patterns, especially near the edges or corners of your photos, it might be due to insect activity. Tiny holes or the presence of small, powdery particles could indicate a termite infestation.

• Climatic Influence: Insects and termites can pose a threat to photographs in regions with warm and humid climates, where these pests thrive. Tropical and subtropical areas, such as parts of Southeast Asia and South America, are particularly susceptible to this type of damage. Proper storage and regular inspection are essential to prevent insect-related damage to your precious photos.

Identifying common photographic damage is the first step in preserving your cherished memories. Recognizing the types of damage that can occur and understanding how climatic conditions can influence them will help you take appropriate preventive measures. Happy preserving!