Mailing photographs?

[blackrose89]

I have to mail two 5x7s photographs to my instructor. Here are the directions: Put
stiff cardboard or some other protective covering in front of
and in back of your photographs, being careful not to mar
their surfaces. Package them in a large envelope or wrapping
paper. Then submit them for evaluation

What materials/protective coverings would you use to mail them?

[gryphonslair99]

This is what Phototree recommends.

Ok, since the link won't work. From Phototree.com

Tip Sheet
Packaging and Mailing Original Photographs
Flat Photographs
Protective Sleeve
Acid free protective sleeves should be used with all your photographs. This prevents oil and dirt from your hands and fingers from staining the photo. It also may catch an inadvertent coffee or other liquid spill from ruining the picture
Even if you have protective sleeves, PhotoTree recommends you place the picture in a sealable baggie for mailing. In the case the mail is subjected to rain along the way, this can help protect the image.
Stiff Reinforcement
All photographs (after placed in sleeve or baggie) should be placed between two stiff sheets. This can be cardboard, poster board, picture mat material, etc. This will help prevent any bending of the photograph. The two outside sheets should be taped together so the image cannot slip out. Note, just a couple pieces of tape will work. Do not seal so that it is hard to remove.
Envelope
Photograph envelopes are available at most office supply stores and even most large discount stores. It is recommended you use an envelope like this. Mark the outside “Photos - DO NOT BEND”
Boxes
The U.S. Post Office provides small boxes (free) for use with Priority Mail. These are highly recommended. Package the photographs as above, but also wrap with bubble wrap, styrofoam peanuts, or other filler so the image cannot shift around. If Priority Mail is used, tracking and insurance can be purchased also. This is the recommended method also if numerous flat photographs are sent.
Cased or Framed Photographs
Wrapping & Padding
If the photograph is in a case or frame, it should be wrapped with bubble wrap or other padding. If possible, place this package inside a baggie for further protection from the elements.
Box
It is highly recommended that photographs of this nature be sent using Priority Mail, along with tracking and insurance if you like. The Priority Mail boxes are free from the Post Office, and are very sturdy. Be sure to include enough packing so the image does not shift in transit.

[E]

I just use a plain paper envelope to put the photo's in. For 5x7 I use a 6x9 padded envelope for mailing. I put a piece of stiffener cardboard in the 6x9 and put the other envelope with the 5x7's in it, in the 6x9 and seal it for mailing. No need to go over board since the photo's will only be in there for a day or two while mailed.

[Jim Jones]

I would use a 6x9 envelope with corrugated cardboard on each side of the photographs. Unlike some photo mailers, the corrugations in the two sheets should be at right angles to each other. The photos can be wrapped in paper and taped to the center of one of the cardboards so they are best protected. Scraps of mat board can be used instead of corrugated cardboard. Padded envelopes provide little additional protection when used with cardboard or mat board as described above.

[sbay]

Originally Posted by gryphonslair99

It is recommended you use an envelope like this. Mark the outside “Photos - DO NOT BEND”

I'm paranoid about this and went so far as to get bright fluorescent avery labels and printed on them "Photographs" and "DO NOT BEND".

It sounds like this is for an assignment? does the instructor not accept emailed photos?

[moonrakerz]

Originally Posted by sbay

I'm paranoid about this and went so far as to get bright fluorescent avery labels and printed on them "Photographs" and "DO NOT BEND".

Reminds me of when I was serving in the Royal Navy. I used to get my printing done by a very good photo lab in Birmingham, who sent my prints out in card backed envelopes, marked in large red letters, "PHOTOGRAPHS DO NOT BEND".
One day I found an freshly delivered envelope lying on my bunk - someone had written below the warning: "Oh yes they do !"

[E]

I workedfor UPS for six years and the USPS is pretty much the same - just watch what the do when you mail somthing marks as fragile or do not bend. They basically dont bother to notice it. In fact most of the envelops and pacages are handle by machines so it really doesnt do anything

However if marking packages this way gives you piece of mind them there is a value in it

[Sambarino]

I am getting ready to retire from the US Postal Service in March. Putting "Photos - Do NOT bend" on your package is about as helpful as a screen door on a submarine. Put your photos in a padded photo mailer, then properly package THAT in Priority Mail Flat Rate box of the appropriate size. Then seriously consider taking it to UPS, who treats packages much better than the Post Office ever will.

[Clakley]

Originally Posted by Sambarino

I am getting ready to retire from the US Postal Service in March. Putting "Photos - Do NOT bend" on your package is about as helpful as a screen door on a submarine. Put your photos in a padded photo mailer, then properly package THAT in Priority Mail Flat Rate box of the appropriate size. Then seriously consider taking it to UPS, who treats packages much better than the Post Office ever will.

I have worked for the U. S. Postal Service for nearly 34 years (the last 15 as a Postmaster) and take exception to your remarks. As in any large organization, one will always have those who do not take their job seriously and fail to handle the mail properly. You are right that most packages are handled by machines; however, this does not mean that it will be mangled.

Even those political bulk business mailings that are marked "Do Not Bend" are handled accordingly. I am sorry that your experiences with the Postal Service have left you with such feelings.

I NEVER recommend UPS as I know that they will leave a package at a neighbor's (even one around the corner)--personal experience. The most important thing is to package the product properly, using stiffeners, our photograph mailers (available at most post offices), or, as suggested, our free priority mail boxes. If the photograph is important, then the mailer should make sure it is prepared accordingly.

And, we do pay attention to the special markings on packages; especially the "Do Not Bend" or "Fragile" markings. As a matter of record (and we have mystery shoppers who check us for this), our window clerks are required to ask if the package contains anything that is liquid, fragile, perishable, or potentionally hazardous for each one presented to us. Then, we are to mark it accordingly.

[O|||||||O]

Originally Posted by E

I just use a plain paper envelope to put the photo's in. For 5x7 I use a 6x9 padded envelope for mailing. I put a piece of stiffener cardboard in the 6x9 and put the other envelope with the 5x7's in it, in the 6x9 and seal it for mailing. No need to go over board since the photo's will only be in there for a day or two while mailed.

Basically what I do. Ship it insured (insurance is cheap for something like this), for enough to replace it and ship it a second time.

I like to think that they are more careful with it when it is insured (for an unknown amount), but in reality, it's probably no different...

Worst case, you get enough to produce and then send it again.

I would also mark the outside with something like "Photographs inside - do not bend".