Letters and other documents can help us to understand where we come from and the love and hard work that our ancestors put in to providing a good life for others.
Photographs are a great way to witness that same spark in someone’s eyes or that fun twist in their smile. It makes us feel connected to people we no longer know. It allows us to empathize with others and witnesses. It can be difficult to keep photos from becoming faded and lost over time.
How do I preserve my photos? Families spend more of their budget on professional family photos than ever before, so it’s crucial they last for generations to come. Ensure printing is on acid-free paper so it doesn’t yellow or fade over time. Trustworthy printers use state-of the-art technology.
Printing on metal is a modern and durable option. Chromaprints are resistant to water, scratch, and fade. The colors are vibrant because the image has been baked into the metal.
This example shows Peter Olwyler (1921-1999), who took this photograph in 1962 in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. He was then a photographer in Guanajuato.
The man in the photo — Hilario Chichaga, known as the “Banana Man” — died in 1962. He is the grandfather to a Pacific Northwest native, who had this photo printed onto metal to preserve it.
This is the last known photo of Hilario. His family wanted to preserve it for future generations. It brought their ancestor back into life, according to the family.
Printing on canvas is another option. Printing photos on canvas is timeless and classic. However, they are easy to fit into any decor style. Wrapped canvases come ready-to-hang.
How can framing help me preserve my photos? Frame your photos, regardless of whether they are on paper, canvas, or metal. Learn more about picture framing. Picture framing can be customized to protect your artwork from damage, moisture and harmful UV rays.
Frame Central or Museum Quality Framing is a part of the Northwest Framing group. It offers more information and helps you to get started in the art and craft of framing. Free consultations with trained designers on professional and custom digital printing and handcrafted framing are available.