How to scan your memories, to keep them forever.

Method One - Use your phone!

You’d be surprised how well some phones do when scanning old photos. With the right setup and lighting, it can rival some scanners. Make sure that you use as new a phone as possible as DPI (or Dots Per Inch) is important to get the best results possible. Older phones don’t have an image sensor big enough to do your photos justice.

Step One - Prepare your image.

There’s no point scanning an image if you’re going to be scanning the dust and debris that’s built up on top of it over time too. Carefully wipe off any dust with a microfibre cloth. In addition to this, make sure any tape or other foreign bodies are removed - if possible! Be careful when removing anything that’s physically stuck to an image, you don’t want to damage your photos any more than they already are.

Step Two - Prepare your lighting.

So your photo is spotless, or as spotless as it’s going to get, and you’re keen to scan your photo in. Set up your phone in a well-lit part of your house with no shadows being cast over your work surface. It’s important that this lighting is soft (diffused) and not direct sunlight. Also, make sure that the light source is coming from above and not a shallow angle as this will amplify any imperfections that remain.

Step Three - Fire away!

If you are shooting a single photo, you have an easier setup. Just make sure you frame the photo so it’s as close to, but not spilling over, the edge of your shot - this ensures you don’t waste any pixels by cropping later down the line. If on the other hand, you’re shooting a whole heap of photos (or a photo album), I’d suggest getting a tripod to stabilize your phone, and just make your life easier in general.

Step Four - Post-Production.

Crop your images right up to the border and rotate them if necessary. It’s that simple!

Method Two - Flatbed photo scanners.

Most printers nowadays come with a photo scanner on top. If this isn’t something you have access to good quality stand-alone scanner will cost around £50. Both scanners on printers and a stand-alone flatbed scanner will often offer better results than a phone or digital camera.

Step One - YOU guessed it, prepare your print!

Same as step one on the first method, there’s no point scanning a photo in if it’s covered in dust or other unwanted distractions. Clean it BEFORE scanning!

Step Two - Prep your scanning bed.

Much like the first step. Make sure your scanning bed is clean from dust. Many people don’t use their scanners often causing dust and debris to build up over time. The best way to clean this surface is to use glass cleaner and either kitchen roll or lint-free clothes (such as a quality microfiber cloth). PLEASE make sure the bed is fully dry before placing any precious memories on it, water damage can REALLY ruin your photos.

Step Three - Scan away!

Using the pre-installed program that comes with either your scanner or printer, start scanning. As previously mentioned, DPI is important, the higher your DPI the better the results of the scan. If your particular printer allows you to change this setting, set it as high as you can - you’ll thank me later.

Method Three - Use a local professional.

You’ll find with a quick Google search that there will most likely be a half dozen services in your area that scan any documents and photos. If you’re local to Brighton I’d highly recommend Colourstream (bottom of St James Street), super friendly and professional service at a reasonable price.

Method Four - Use us!

We offer heavily discounted scanning services will all restorations and offer further discounts on bulk scanning if it’s a whole album you wish to digitise.