What are Negatives, and How to Preserve Them?

Have you ever wondered what lies beneath those seemingly mysterious strips of film called photo negatives? Well, today, we’re sharing with you five intriguing facts about photo negatives that you might not be aware of:

negatives are the first version of your photo

Photo negatives are like the very first draft of a photo. They’re created before the actual pictures you see. So, when you look at them, you’re seeing the photo in its initial form, kind of like a sneak peek before the final version.

negatives reveal the photos true colorsContrary to their name, photo negatives are anything but negative! When you look at a color negative, the colors appear inverted, but this is actually the true color information. When printed or digitally scanned, the colors are reversed to their original state, giving us the vibrant images we love.

Photo negatives are for their longevityWhen stored in proper conditions, negatives can last for decades, if not centuries. This makes them a valuable archival medium for preserving precious memories for generations to come.

Each film size has its own unique characteristicsPhoto negatives come in various sizes, with 35mm being one of the most common. However, there are larger formats like 120mm and even sheet film negatives that produce incredibly detailed images. Each size has its own unique characteristics, offering photographers a wide range of creative possibilities.

Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or just someone curious about the world of imagery, photo negatives have a rich history and continue to play a crucial role in the art of photography.