While there are best practices for the long(er)-term preservation of digital images, the most stable format for photograph preservation is printing them out. You may not want to print out all of your photographs, but consider this for the images that are most meaningful to you.
When you make prints of your photographs it is recommended that you have them done professionally rather than printing them at home. Whether it is Wal-Mart, Snapfish, or a professional photographer's studio, these images will surivive longer if they are printed on the proper acid-free paper using acid-free, fade resistant ink. You may want to consider printing out some photos in black and white because color tends to fade over time.
Physical prints are best preserved in a stable environment: a temperatureof 65-70F and humidity of 35-50%. It can be difficult to maintain such a controlled environment in your home, however there are other factors you can take into consideration when storing your prints in your home. You can store your photographs in the coolest and driest spot in your home that stays that way year round. While finished basements are cool they are usually too damp for photo storage unless they are dehumidified. If photos are exposed to too much humidity they can start to stick together, and mold growth can occur. Usually the best place in your home to store your printed photos is above ground interior closets maintain fairly constant temperatures throughout the year.
Store your images in acid-free containers.
For more information about storing your printed images look at the National Archives website.
When storing digital photographs it is important to remember that these images must be maintained over time. Unlike printed photographs that can be left in your closet for years, digital images must be updated on a regular basis.
How to store your digital images: