Does anyone know about black and white photos?

[FabIsGoingToBeFabIn2010]

I have some which are 30+ years old and some a lot older than that and while they look fine at the moment I would hate for them to fade so much I couldn't see who was on them. It would be no biggy to go to Boots and get them copied but am wondering if I need too?

They will probably fade if you leave them exposed to sunlight.
I have a family photo which I think is from 1899 that I have on display and it is the only copy afaik.
It won't fit in my scanner so I am thinking of taking it to be professionally scanned but am a bit scared of them losing it!
If they are really special I would get them copied and keep the original in a box or album somewhere dry and darkish!

It depends where and how they are stored I think. In a frame and in strong daylight and they will fade. kept inside an album then much less so.

You could copy and store the spares just in case. That also protects in case you were to have any problems in the home ( a small fire, smoke damage, water damage etc ) - of you store them in different places of course

( one of my framed wedding photos looks Victorian even though they are 20 years old )

They are all in albums and won't be in frames. Not really sure why I am keeping them really, especially the ones of my parents (not together) as they don't have anything to do with me.

I wouldn't bother copying them if they aren't particularly sentimental.
There is a huge box of black and white photo's that my dad has got. When I inherit them (which could be quite soon as he may have to go into a home!) I am not going to have a clue who most of them are and he is not going to be able to remember; but I won't have the heart to throw them out.

Someone should start a 'help identify this relative/person from this photo' website!

I asked my nana to write on the back of all her photos who the people were as she was leaving them to me. My father took them all and has refused to give me the ones of me in so I have about 3 pictures of me as a baby and about another 6 of my whole childhood.

I just feel I need to keep them in good condition. I have very little from my childhood.