So What’s the big Deal about Photo Safety?

There’s a rumor floating around the scrappy inter webs that Hobby Lobby has decided to produce a new sticker collection that does not bear the term “acid-free” on the packaging—a departure from their previous packaging design. Apparently some people are deeply alarmed by this.

Ok friends, let’s just breathe.
And think this through.

Acid-free is a buzzword. There’s no regulatory commission checking to see if the products marked “acid-free” are actually photo safe. Let’s face it—any product manufacturer can slap an “acid-free” label on their products that are being marketed to scrapbook enthusiasts because they know that’s what we are looking for. There was a time in Scrapbooking history when people were rabid about products being labeled “acid-free”. The idea that “acid-free” is the be all, end all seems to have been propagated primarily by Creative Memories (a direct sales company) in order to differentiate their products from others on the market. In some ways, it was a fear-inducing sales tactic. It was not uncommon for Creative Memories coaches to even refer to products from other manufacturers as “contraband “.

On a personal level, I had one Creative Memories consultant inform me years ago that she had no doubt that my scrapbooks that were filled with all that contraband would crumble and disentigrate within five years.

Yeah. That didn’t happen. I’ve been a scrapbooker for 25 years now. I’ve been cautiously optimistic about using all kinds of product—both products meant for Scrapbooking and also random bits and pieces of memorabilia from my actual life beyond just photographs. Remember—we are scrapbook creators. A scrapbook is a compilation of pieces of life. Remember, not all of life is neat and tidy. There are ways to include authentic scraps of life in your scrapbook without compromising photo safety.

Fortunately, with the advent of digital imaging, “acid-free” is just not a factor to be feared anymore. If something damages a photo, we just reprint it, right?

However, if you do care about photo preservation, there are, in fact, many contributors to the degradation of photos—sunlight, humidity, off-gasing from wood veneer, proper storage, etc. If you truly care about photo preservation, you should really read the paper items preservation page by the Library of Congress (the true experts) for best practices.

My albums have been stored properly however, I’ve never been brand-loyal or even deeply aware of that whole “only acid-free” brouhaha. My albums show no sign of any degradation any where.

But let’s go a step further. Whatever happens in the future, these books represent my life experiences, my thoughts and dreams and the things that I think are worth remembering. If they age gracefully, I’ll be a happy girl. If the edges get a little yellowed and the pages crumple a little, I’ll call it character and still be happy. Life is not polished and shiny for me. I have scars and struggles. I don’t mind if that’s reflected in my scrapbook alongside my memories.

A bit of yellowing or brittleness certainly doesn’t negate the value of a scrapbook. If anything, those qualities are indicative of life.

Not too long ago my mom loaned me the only scrapbook she’s ever made so I could have some of the photos from her wedding reproduced for my siblings. This notebook-style album was purchased fifty years ago. My mom filled in the particulars in her beautiful handwriting and attached the requisite newspaper articles and announcements. She claims to not be a scrapbooker but this is a special piece of our family history and folklore among the daughters. I certainly do not love it any less because it’s showing it’s age a little bit.

Scrapbook your life. Don’t be constrained by buzz-Words and fear.

Until next time,
—Sarah