Black and white photographs, when processed properly and stored correctly could last 100 to 300 years.  This we know is true because even today we have photographs that are over 150 years old and some of them are in excellent condition.  Part of this is because black & white uses metallic silver as the image former and as long as nothing corrupts the silver, it is a permanent element.  This is not true in the case of color photographs as the color is formed by dyes.  Dyes are not stable and this can be seen when the sunlight attacks drapes near a window or any upholstery near the rear window of an automobile.  The sun causes these dyes to fade in the same way that the dyes in a color photograph fade.  This change happens very gradually and you usually will not notice the change until one day you examine the print and notice that your relatives never had green faces.

Photographic manufacturers are aware of this problem and Kodak (one of the largest film manufacturers in the world) has a disclaimer on each roll of color film.  Check it out for yourself.....the key sentence is “Since color dyes may change over time, this product will not be replaced for, or warranted against, any change in color.”   So there you have it folks, in black & white (oops, I mean in Kodak yellow).  COLOR PHOTOGRAPHS WILL FADE.   If you preserve your color photographs in optimal conditions, the best that you can hope for before they start to fade is 50 years.  Today most film and paper manufacturers are trying to come up with new materials to help prolong the life of a color photograph.  Until they can utilize material other than dyes, we will still have a fading problem.  To intensify this problem, in the 1950's thru the 1980's many photo labs were not aware of this problem and did not adequately process the color prints.  If you have some color photographs from the 1950's or 1960's and you are displaying them, you will probably notice a shift (or change) in colors.

The best and proper way to store color photographs is in a dry, dark chamber and the temperature should be below zero degrees Fahrenheit.   Although the sun and it’s Ultra-Violet rays are most harmful to the preservation of color photographs, heat and humidity will accelerate the deterioration of the dyes.   Not only is the sun and it’s Ultra-Violet rays very harmful, so is regular flourescent lighting.  In fact, the only types of illumination that is recommended for viewing color prints is standard tungsten illumination.  However, this too must be kept at a low light level to preserve the color photographs. 

I realize that all this makes it seem pointless to use color any more if you want to preserve some memories.  However, there are some things you can do that will help protect  your color photographs.  If you have only one original color photograph and do not have the negative, you may want to consider having a color copy made and display the copy print.  Store the original in a dark, cool, dry place.  A second suggestion would be to have a black & white copy made and have it printed on a fiber paper.  Almost all prints today are printed on RC (Resin Coated) paper.  Then have this print hand colored.  The fiber paper if processed and stored properly could last 100 to 300 years and the hand coloring will do the same.  The reason is that hand coloring uses pigments, not dyes, and pigments have much greater keeping properties than dyes.  Just think of the great works of art that are displayed in museums.  The painters from the 1700's  used pigments and most of them are still in fine condition.   Remember the photograph I mentioned earlier about my sister and brother-in-law’s wedding photograph?  Well we copied it and then hand colored it and now it looks like it did 30 years ago.  Finally, if you must display a color photograph, make sure it does not face a window.

Several years ago I went to a Neil Diamond concert and being a purest I photographed it in black and white.  They had a wonderful light show at the concert with billowing smoke and wonderful colors splashing through the smoke.  I was in awe watching and photographing this spectacular event.  When I got home and developed the film, I can’t tell you how disappointed I was with the results.  You just can’t imagine what beautiful colors look like in black & white.    Therefore, I have some additional suggestions I would like to pass along to you that would almost allow you to have your cake and eat it.

Whenever you need to record some important life cycle event such as a wedding, graduation, confirmation, Bar Mitzvah, birth, etc.....By all means shoot all the color you want to so that for your lifetime you will have the pleasure of remembering the event as it looked.  However, for the sake of your children, grandchildren, etc. make sure that you or someone also shoots some black and white film as well.  And here is the most important tip.  When you get that film processed, make sure you do not take it to a 60 minute type place.  Make sure the film is archivally processed.  Archival means that it will last at least 100 years or more.  In order to have this done, you would need to take that film to a custom photo lab.  One easy way to make sure the lab will process it archivally is to ask them how long they will wash the negatives.  If it is not at least ONE HOUR washing time, then the chances are that it will not be archival. 

I can’t tell you how many times I have heard the phrase “I wish they had written on the backs of these photos who the people are.”  Don’t do a similar disservice to your descendants, make sure the important family events are preserved for them.