Cameron Photography Digital Exhibit

Most analog photography takes advantage of the light sensitivity of certain silver compounds. But various environmental factors can cause photographic negatives and prints to deteriorate over time. It is the responsibility of a photography archive to preserve their images to the best of their ability and prevent any further damage. 

Virtually all photographs exhibit some signs of deterioration, and most images will naturally fade over time. Deterioration is increased exponentially by environmental factors like temperature, light exposure, and especially humidity. Relative humidity (RH) is the decisive factor in how fast an image will fade because it causes the silver particles to rapidly oxidize, converting them to colorless silver ions. The optimum RH for an archival photography collection is between 30 and 40%. 

Ibid., reverse

Tabernacle Diorama, Amos Sanders, late 1800s

This albumen print of a diorama of the Biblical Tabernacle (complete with a miniature Ark of the Covenant), produced in the late 1800s, has undergone photographic deterioration. In the actual print above, fading is present across the entire image plane, especially noticeable in what would have been the brightest highlights and darkest shadows. There is also an unusual pattern visible at the top right, resulting from this print being pressed against an object with that pattern for an extended period of time. The image is remarkably clear and focused however -- analog prints like this have higher "resolution" than most of the best modern digital camera sensors. 

Albumen prints are notorious for rolling up tightly when in humid conditions, so this print was mounted on a paperboard backing at some point. Some signs of age, like the brown smudges on the reverse, can be seen. Sometimes a backing can cause an image to deteriorate faster, so non-reactive materials are ideal. It also provides a useful place to note down identifying information without writing directly on the print. 

Earlham's archive is committed to preserving our photographs as best we can, but this depends on our resources and other factors. Because we have other artifacts besides photos, we have to compromise on some environmental factors in order to preserve all of our collections to the best of our ability. That being said, the vast majority of our photos are in excellent condition, and now serve as an invaluable visual record of the past at Earlham College.