When making copies of old black and white photographs or newspaper articles, always use ivory paper instead of white paper.  Ivory paper is more forgiving, and the copies will look wonderful.  Also, use a color copier, not a regular paper copier you would normally use for copying text.  A color copier will enhance your photos, even though they are black and white, and give you greater detail.

I have been teaching family heritage classes and have done a lot of experimenting with different types of paper, as well as copy machines.  The best copy of a photo is, of course, a professional copy on photographic paper, but that can be expensive.  I have chosen to use acid-free paper (I use a Hammermill ivory paper) with a color copier.  I prefer the laser color copiers found at such places as Office Depot or other copy establishments.

Some merchants will not allow you to bring your own paper. But many will.  As much as possible, copy your photos and other documents on acid-free, ivory paper because the stores do not use acid-free paper in their copiers. Some laser copiers have an "old fashioned" setting, which is very nice for photos with a sepia (brown) tone.  The ivory paper helps it to look aged. Good luck!         from Cathe Taylor in Colorado -  Ancestry Quick Tip Ancestry Daily News, 24 May 2000