Photograph Storage
Photographs are among the most handled items in any collection, and often the least protected. A few simple decisions early on can make a significant difference to how well they survive. Start by thinking about how the photographs will be used. Will they be taken out regularly, shared with family, or passed between hands? Or have they been digitised, meaning the originals simply need safe, long-term storage? The answer shapes everything about how you store them. The core principle is straightforward: keep items separated so they can't transfer acid to one another, store them somewhere cool and dry, and keep them out of direct sunlight. From there, it's about choosing the right enclosures, pages, or boxes for your situation, and we have plenty of options to help.
Option 1: Use Pages or Enclosures to store in albums, binders or boxes
When your collection deserves to be seen as well as protected, our presentation range delivers both. Archival quality boxes, albums, and binders with the professional finish to match, built to conservation standards and designed to make an impression. To complete the system, many of our polypropylene pages and enclosures are sized to fit standard formats such as A4, A3, and a wide range of photo sizes from 4x5" through to 8x10" and beyond. That said, not every page or enclosure will suit every binder or box, so it's worth checking dimensions before you order. Browse the full range to find what works for your collection.
Presentation Albums & Binders
Polypropylene Pages:
Polypropylene pages are a practical way to organise and store photographs, negatives, slides, and documents in a binder or album. Designed with multiple pockets per page and ranging from 2-pocket formats for larger prints, up to 20-pocket pages for 35mm slides, they keep items visible, separated, and easy to find without handling. Acid-free and P.A.T.-tested, they're safe for long-term storage of photographic materials.
Polypropylene Enclosures:
Polypropylene enclosures are single-sleeve protectors designed to house one item at a time. These are ideal for photographs that need individual protection. Available in a wide range of sizes from 4x5" through to 20x24", they're a flexible solution whether you're storing a small print collection or large-format material. Acid-free and P.A.T.-tested, they're safe for long-term contact with photographic materials.
Polyester Enclosures:
Polyester also known by the trade names Melinex® and Mylar® is widely regarded as the highest-performing material for archival storage. Chemically inert, crystal clear, and exceptionally stable over time, it's the preferred choice where long-term protection is the priority. Available as individual enclosures in a wide range of sizes, polyester is a practical option when you have photographs in multiple size formats. You can mix and match sizes rather than committing to a single format in bulk.
Backing Cards: to seperate & support
Photographs can sometimes need more than just an enclosure, something behind them or to seperate them is helpful too. These 300gsm museum card backing cards provide stable support during storage, reducing the risk of bending, creasing, or damage when items are moved or handled. Buffered and ageing-resistant, they won't introduce acid to the materials they're protecting. Available in a wide range of sizes to suit common enclosure formats.
Document & File Boxes
A simple archival box is one of the most cost-effective ways to store a mixed photograph collection. Choose an appropriate size, place your photographs each in their own enclosure into the box, and you have a clean, protective solution that works across a range of print sizes. Our document and file box range offers a variety of configurations to suit different collections and storage setups.
Here's an example of how a mixed collection, photographs in different sizes, letters, and newspaper clippings can all be organised using enclosures and pages, then brought together in a single archival box. A simple, tidy solution that keeps everything in one place.
Option 2: Store in an Archival Photo Box
Photo Boxes with Dividers
For photographs that need a dedicated home, our archival photo storage boxes are sized to suit standard print formats and come with optional dividers to keep your collection organised. Each box holds up to 200 photographs including dividers, and works best when filled to capacity — prints stored upright need to be firmly packed to prevent bowing. If you have a smaller collection, storing photographs flat in an enclosure inside a document box is a good alternative.
Paper Envelopes
Paper envelopes are a simple, affordable option for storing photographs individually. Available in sizes to suit standard print formats, they offer a protective first layer that's easy to label and store in a box. Note that not all photographic materials are suitable for buffered envelopes. Check the product details or get in touch if you're unsure which option is right for your photographs.
View All SizesPens to Label Photos
When labelling photographs, the tools you use matter. Standard pens can bleed, fade, or damage surfaces over time. The Zig Photo Signature Pen is designed specifically for writing on the back of photographs, while our archival ink pens are ideal for marking enclosures and labels. A soft pencil is another safe, reversible option, particularly useful where you may need to update information over time.
Have Any Questions?
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