Preservation of Photographic Materials

4-Week Course Starts NOV 11, 2024

Please Send Me a Reminder Before Enrollment Closes

Course Description

Photographic materials present unique preservation challenges in cultural heritage collections. This course deals with those challenges and offers an introduction to the principles of photographic preservation. Students will be introduced to the history of photography and learn to identify the various photographic processes, from the daguerreotype to the digital print, as well as their deterioration characteristics. Emphasis will be placed on understanding preventive conservation actions and implementing long term preservation strategies, such as maintaining a good environment and following the safe care, handling and storage guidelines which help extend the longevity of photographic materials. This course is intended to help collections managers, registrars, curators, librarians, archivists, or anyone whose responsibility is to care for a photograph collection.


Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • Identify the major historic photographic processes.
  • Explain the ways that photographs deteriorate.
  • Recall and apply proper handling guidelines for photographs.
  • Design safe storage environments for photographic materials.


Total Course Hours: 10 Hours/ 1 CEU


"This course was very comprehensive and provided an abundance of valuable reference sources for further study. Great course with a very knowledgeable, thorough and friendly instructor."

- Kelsey Miller, Conservator, Bronx, New York

Your Instructor


Danae Renieri
Danae Renieri

Danae Renieri is a photographer who holds a Master of Arts in Photographic History from the Photographic History Research Centre at De Montfort University in Leicester, England. During her postgraduate studies she understood the significance of photographs as historical evidence, embraced the materiality of photographs, and learned to view them both as images and as objects, writing histories directly from them. Her studies and a number of hands-on experiences in archives taught her how to identify various historic photographic processes, how photographic materials can deteriorate over time, and how to properly handle, store and preserve photographs. Her skill set includes photo-editing, retouching, researching, writing, cataloging, digitizing, creating metadata, fine art printing and exhibiting photography. Besides her passion for photography, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.


"[My course instructor] Danae was exceptional. This course gave me extra tools that augmented my previous academic studies in meaningful ways. However, it could also be applicable to those that have no experience and need to learn basic skills."

- Rachel Stock, Local History Librarian, The Field Library, Peeksill, New York

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
This course starts on APR 08, 2024.
It is an asynchronous online course designed to be completed in 4 weeks.
Participants will spend approximately 2.5 hours each week on viewing lectures, answering quizzes, and completing discussion, reading, and written assignments.
It is recommended that you complete each week's work within that week to stay in sync with other learners.
When is the last day for enrollment?
FRIDAY, April 5th.
Will the instructor be available for feedback and questions?
Absolutely! Your instructor will provide feedback for each assignment and will be available via email for any questions you may have. A discussion area is also available where participants can post questions.
Will I receive a Certificate of Completion?
In order to receive a Certificate of Completion you must:
1. View all video lectures.
2. Answer all quizzes.
3. Complete all assignments.
When you complete these three items you can expect to receive you certificate within 2 weeks.
How long do I have access to the course material?
You will have unlimited access for three months from the start date of this course.
I am having trouble enrolling. Help!
1. Try enrolling with a different browser or with a different device (laptop, tablet, smart phone, etc.) 2. Email us at [email protected] and request that we send you an invoice. You can pay through the link provided in the invoice.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We offer a 14-day refund (from the day the course starts) on all asynchronous courses. Send your refund request to [email protected].

"Take this class!! It is a must for people dealing with photographic collections."

- Alisa Austin, Grass Valley Library and Doris Foley Library, Nevada County, California

Please Send Me a Reminder Before Enrollment Closes

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