SCANNING TIPS


For best results, Prior to uploading your images, read the tips below.

 

These tips will help you achieve the best possible results.



  • When scanning images, carefully remove image from any glass photo frame.  
  • Even if you do not see dust, use a soft DRY cloth to gently wipe the photo even if you do not see dirt or dust with the naked eye. (Do not use a cloth that produces lint.  Do not use a wet cloth unless you are certain it will not compromise your photo and only use distilled water). 
  • Make sure your scanner glass is free of dirt, dust, fingerprints and smudges. fingerprints on photos and glass can complicate the repair process of a photo.


Format and SCAN SETTINGS



For black and white photos,  scan as a TIFF file at 300 DPI. If you have the option, scan at 16 bit greyscale.  


For color photos 4x6 or smaller, scan as Tiff files at 1200 DPI at a minimum of 16 bit, 24 bit if possible.  

For larger photos, scan at 300-600 DPI.  600 DPI recommended.   


Note: Scanning tiffs at high resolution will produce much larger files and make take longer.  If you have  several images or files exceptionally large, email may not support the file size.  In that case, you can upload the file to dropbox or google drive and email me the link with your images.


If you have a scanner that does not support TIFF, office supply stores such as Staples, UPS store, Office Depot, etc. can assist you with scanning and emailing photos.   If you are local to the Mooresville area, contact me and I will refer you to a local professional who will scan your image for you.




 

FAQ

Can blurry photos be repaired.

Up until recently, nothing could be done with blurry images. Though there have been advances in tools and technology, it depends on the amount of blur, grain and pixelation.  Though It may not be possible to fix some photos that are extremely blurry, grainy and heavily pixelated without AI replacement, some images can be sharpened nicely and have blur removed or reduced greatly.

 

Can you process slides or film negatives?

Yes! I can digitize most formats of film negatives including slides, 35mm, 110mm and medium format negatives.

 

Can you repair photos that are torn?

 

Yes. Torn photos can be repaired.  Torn photos can be carefully put back together digitally. Depending on the severity of the tear and potential missing information, some areas may need to be re-constructed. Each photo tear presents it's own challenges, but I am happy to assess your image.

 

What do I do if I do not have a scanner or do not know how to use one?

If you are local, I can arrange to scan your image for you. If you are not local, I recommend an office supply store or Fed Ex near you. I would also highly encourage you to read the scanning tips on this page.