Long term storage: Prints will last longest in light-tight archival boxes in low humidity, where temperature changes are gradual and minimal. In fact, Bill Gates, though Corbis, has the Bettmann archive stored inside a mountain at below freezing temperatures. While I am not suggesting you put your photos in the freezer, I have a few suggestion listed here.
Albums: The next best storage is in albums with protective archival sleeves. Be sure not to store them next to vents, doors and windows, which cause temperature and humidity changes, or near equipment such as refrigerators and copiers which can give off ozone.
Frames: Most images we produce will be framed. Frame all photographs under properly cleaned glass with archival rag mats and/or backing boards. This gives a good buffer to moisture, humidity changes and chemicals in the environment and air. We have a carefully chosen selection of frames available in the studio and on this website.
Glass: UV coating on glass, especially for color images, is highly recommended. Museum glass is our choice. For black and white images AR glass is fine and costs a bit less. Proper cleaning of the glass is also important. An alcohol based cleaner (like Sparkle) is recommended. If you use an ammonia based cleaner such as Windex, re-clean the glass with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab. Then, let it dry thoroughly before putting next to a print.
Matting: Matting with cotton rag mats helps buffer the image from the frame and environmental contaminates. It also keeps the image off the glass. If you frame without a mat, make sure to back the image with an archival cotton rag board. Do not use the brown cardboard which comes with many ready made frames. Some recommend never putting a piece of glass next to a print. We have never experienced a problem with this unless the water gets under the glass.
Reality: Life brings unexpected disasters. If one occurs, give us a call. We have thirty years of negatives and files archived in climate controlled storage, and we plan on keeping all of them for a very long time.