How to save printed pictures...

Last night I was going through this HUGE box of pictures. I have accumulated all of these from Junior High and High School. I am an AVID picture taker. I always have been, always will be. I love photography. I was looking through these so that I could find some pictures of some of the crafts I have done in the past that I am going to share with you.

Anyways, I was going through them when I came across a whole group of pictures that were stuck together.

Have you ever had a bunch of printed pictures that, over time got stuck together?

Peeling them apart is not a good idea, because they get all warped and tear. It will also ruin the emulsion on the pictures, so do not do this. I couldn't bear to just throw them away. Now you don't have to.

DO NOT THROW THEM AWAY!

1* Soak them in a Bowl of Water

Do not worry, this will not ruin the picture. Photos are developed in "Baths" of water, so your pictures will be fine and intact.

After they have finished soaking, peel apart the pictures. I do this process under the water, it helps them detach a lot better.

2* Place them on a towel to dry

Do not let them touch each other as they dry, otherwise they will just get stuck together again.

This is the stack of pictures I still have to soak and peel apart.

I am sure I am not the only one who has been through this. How devastating it can be. Think if it were your wedding pictures, or a new baby, or the only pictures you had from childhood. That would be so sad to lose or tear those pictures.

I reccommend scanning all pictures after you get them apart. Make DIGITAL COPIES so that you can enjoy them for years to come! I always make picture cd's so that I have backup.

So, for any of you going through this right now, GOOD LUCK!