Help and resources

SCANNING TIPS FOR PHOTOS

Scanning Old Photographs with a Scanner

Preparation

Cleaning: Before scanning, clean the photographs with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust or fingerprints. Use a soft-bristled brush for very delicate photos.

Organization: Sort the photos by size or theme to streamline the process.

Scanning Process

Scanner Settings: Adjust the resolution between 300 and 600 dpi for good quality without overly large files. For photos with fine details, use up to 1200 dpi.

Placement: Lay the photos face down on the scanner glass, ensuring they are properly aligned.

Scanning: Select "photo mode" or "document mode" and choose your file format (TIFF for maximum quality, JPEG for lighter files).

Saving: Save the images with descriptive names for easier organization later.

Scanning Photos with a Mobile App

Recommended Apps

Google PhotoScan: This app automatically corrects brightness and removes glare, making it ideal for digitizing photos anywhere.

CamScanner: Not just for documents, it's also usable for photos, offering basic editing and clarity enhancement.

Tips

Lighting: Scan photos in a well-lit area but avoid direct light that can cause reflections.

Stability: Keep your phone steady or use the stabilization feature some apps provide.

Editing: Many apps allow post-scan adjustments like contrast, brightness, and cropping.

Scanning Negatives with a Specialized Scanner

Choosing the Equipment

Negative Scanners: Brands like Epson (V600, V800) are renowned for quality scanning of negatives and slides.

Scanning Process

Cleaning: Clean negatives with a special cloth to avoid scratches.

Settings: Use the specific negative tray. Set high resolution, ideally 2400-4800 dpi to capture all details.

Lighting and Color: Most of these scanners have auto-settings for color and exposure, but check manually if necessary.

Saving: Save in lossless formats like TIFF or DNG if you plan to edit later. For sharing or the web, JPEG is more practical.

Post-Processing

Software: Use programs like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom for color adjustments, contrast, and dust or scratch removal.

Each method has its advantages, depending on your photo collection and available equipment. On Oldpik.com, you might encourage users not only to share scanned photos but also to share the stories behind them, enriching the community experience.