Tip of the Month

Labeling & Information

The value in common snapshots and portraits lies mostly in the associations we have with them. Portraits of our ancestors interest us more than unidentified portraits. These associations require information not contained in the photo itself. Always label your pictures!
The who/what/why/when/where associated with an image makes a world of difference in how it is valued by others.

Never write on a print with a pen, the ink may have chemicals that will damage the picture. Write on the back, using a dark pencil, and don't press so hard as to damage the front side. At a minimum, put the date and names of persons shown and/or location of the photo. If you store them in clear plastic sleeves, don't put two pictures back-to-back in one sleeve -- leave the back visible so you can see if there are any notes without having to remove the picture from its sleeve.