How To Scan Old Photos

When it comes to preserving old photos learning how to properly scan old photos is one of the most important things you can do. Unlike newer photos you have to take special precautions with older photos in the scanning process to make sure that digital copies and the original are safe and intact.

Below are some tips on scanning old photos.

1. Buy a Good Scanner

One of the first things you need to consider is what type of copier or scanner you will be using. With high tech scanners there are often auto correct options that can help correct your digital image long before it is saved on your hard drive. With options like this you really do not need any special photo editing software to get a good scan but some photo scanners do come with additional editing software. When buying a photo scanner be sure to see what sort of software and hardware options are included for photo enhancing.

2. Access the Photo Quality
 
Another thing to consider is the picture that you are scanning. Depending on age and the type of picture you are scanning you may need to take special measures even before you scan your photo. If a picture is very old and appears to have damage or crumbling due to extreme age you may not want to scan the photo at all unless it is protected by plastic prior to scanning. In some cases light from scanners can damage older photos making them virtually useless and incredibly damaged. In other cases the flap that keeps out excess light during scanning can damage the photo being scanned.

If your photo is very old you may want to consult a professional prior to scanning to insure that the photograph is not ruined in the process. If you have an image that may be damaged by the flap that closes out light you can simply leave the flap open and block out light with a sheet of paper. Likewise, never use a feeder-based scanner but always a flatbed picture scanner to avoid photo damage.

3. Photo Restoration Options

When scanning old photographs it is not only important to consider the actual photo but also the digital copy that will result. With photos of extreme age there are often problems with clarity and color in digital scans. As mentioned before if you have an advanced scanner it may adjust these problems for you, if not you may need to download or purchase an editing program that will allow you to correct the problems yourself.

4. Maintain Photo Integrity

With the correction of these digital images it is important that you retain the integrity of the original photo rather than editing it to look like a modern picture. Keeping the coloring and stylized aspects of an old photograph true is part of the fun that comes with scanning and editing old photos. There is just something special about the look of an old photograph which is worth preserving.

Published January 17th, 2012

Tags: photos, scanners, horislrc, topics.