Photo Storage

In the modern age of computer technology and the Internet, photo storage options have increased considerably from twenty years ago. Among the still-developing forms of storage capabilities include photo storage boxes, photo albums, the photo storage cabinet, archival photo storage, digital photo storage, and online storage space.

The oldest form of storage for photographic images is the photo storage box, which as improved over time and constructed out of more durable material. Although they are still made of cardboard, storage boxes are now plastic, and ensured with water- and acid-resistant liner and Velcro straps or tabs. The acid-free photo storage box is the simplest form of storage, made compact, quite frequently color-coded, and available in an assortment of sizes.

Traditional photo albums, which are typically constructed out of leather or Florentine, picks up where the storage box leaves off. These booklets—some having binder spiral clips, others seamlessly pressed and sewn—feature countless pages covered by sealable transparencies for protecting the photos at the same time that they are viewed. The organization offered here is very similar to slideshow presentation, only that all the photos are visible at the same time. These resemble photography portfolios but don’t allow much in the way of creativity in layout beyond the progression of events.

Photo storage cabinets include displays like living room memento shelves and trophy cases as seen in high schools. These leave framed photos open for long-term viewing for anyone who walks by them.

Back issues of periodicals and other dated publications are examples of archival photo storage items. These are available in hardcopies found in libraries but are now also accessible on the Internet. Many forms of online photo storage files offer individuals the ability to search by title and date of publication, and browse through photos of yesteryear. With the existence of free online photo storage, imagery need not disappear into oblivion through the passage of time.

More popular now in the age of computer technology is the digital photo storage unit. Even this comes in many different forms, from CDs to DVDs to USB Jump drives. Not only are many of these devices portable, digital photo storage units also come in variable sizes, called memory capacity, ranging from 128MGs in space to a vast area of 2GBs or more. These can hold and play videos as well as stills, but since videos require more holding space, the higher memory capacity is preferable for larger photo collections. DVDs, which are the common media format for full-length movies have a high memory capacity for just this reason. USB Jump drives are essentially mini hard drives that can be carried around on a chain or in the pocket for access on any modern-day computer system for engagement purposes.

Since the value of human memories will never go out of style, neither will the means of storing and replaying those memories. Memories are a testament of life, and so all forms of [free] photo storage and presentation are understandably considered a virtual fountain of youth for everyone.