Old photos and how to best preserve them!
The Earliest Portrait Photographs
Portrait photography emerged soon after the invention of the daguerreotype process in 1839. Some of the oldest known portrait photographs include:
- Robert Cornelius's self-portrait from 1839, considered one of the first photographic self-portraits or "selfies".
- A daguerreotype of John Quincy Adams from 1843, the oldest surviving photograph of a U.S. president.
- The earliest known photograph of Abraham Lincoln, taken in 1846 or 1847 when he was a frontier lawyer and newly elected congressman.
These early portraits required long exposure times, sometimes several minutes, so subjects had to remain very still. As photographic technology improved in the 1840s-1850s, exposure times shortened and portrait photography became more practical and widespread.
Preserving Historic Photographs
To best preserve old photographs:
- Handle photos carefully with clean hands or cotton gloves.
- Store in acid-free archival sleeves or boxes in a cool, dry environment.
- Avoid exposure to light, heat, and humidity.
- Make high-quality digital scans as backups.
- For very fragile or valuable photos, consult a professional conservator.
- Display copies rather than originals when possible.
With proper care, historic photographs can be preserved for future generations to study and appreciate. The oldest surviving photos provide a fascinating glimpse into the early days of photography and portraiture.
