Conservation of photographs focuses on preserving the physical condition of the photographic materials. It is based on the recognition of photographic techniques and includes the study of the deterioration and its prevention. It is often confused with digital restoration, which is actually a retouched digital copy of the physical photographic material. The job of a photo conservator is to stabilize the original photographic image from further deterioration and if needed to restorate it, for aesthetic reasons. The materials and methods used must be in accordance with the conservators’ code of ethics.

Restoration operations usually include: cleaning, deposits removal, adhesive residue elimination, delamination from harmful substrates, smoothing creases and ripples, fixing tears, filling losses, aesthetic restoration, archival mounting and storing in a safe environment. Conservation in general can improve the view of an image, e.g. either by limiting the unsightly spots, or by repairing the crackling. However, fading and discoloration of an image remain irreversible damages.