Lately I have found some hidden treasures which at first glance seemed worthless. Why are we too quick to judge the perfection of an image? Some of the best images I have ever seen were not perfect. Though I enjoy photos in mint condition, vintage photos are still vintage and can never be 100% Flawless. Its hard to explain this to people who are accustomed to having excellent photos print in microwave time (aka digital cameras & photo printers!)
The key to finding quality vintage photos is looking in unusual places, and being willing to accept imperfections. I believe that tiny imperfections can show lots of character. Isn't that also true of ourselves? The little quirks we have, make us unique. I am horrible at directions. Ask me which way is north & I will always point directly in front of me (25% of the time I am right!). My sisters think that is funny. My husband thinks its cute. Its just me.
The key to finding quality vintage photos is looking in unusual places, and being willing to accept imperfections. I believe that tiny imperfections can show lots of character. Isn't that also true of ourselves? The little quirks we have, make us unique. I am horrible at directions. Ask me which way is north & I will always point directly in front of me (25% of the time I am right!). My sisters think that is funny. My husband thinks its cute. Its just me.
*Look at this perfectly imperfect vintage photo! The little girl in the foreground was moving, so her face is blurry! And the men in the back are working with such a unique farm tool! (loggers!) The background is barren, no homes yet, since they are only just getting all the trees cleared! I love photos like this. They tell a story!*
One particular imperfection I have grown quite fond of on vintage photos is this...
When two, three, or more photos have been stacked together for a period of time there is an oxidizing effect, where the image is lightly transferred to whatever it touches, either the front flap of the folder or the back side of another photo. Its a chemical reaction over time, but it is almost ghostlike in appearance.
The best way to protect and care for your vintage photos (to prevent preventable imperfections) is simply to store them well (away from heaters & pests), to clean them gently (no water or wet substances) & to display them appropriately (not near direct sunlight). For more helpful tips on caring for photos go to this website for the American Institute of Conservation.
Heres to loving vintage photos, Jjay
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