How to Digitize Photos: Ultimate Guide

It's hard to believe, but many people have never seen a photo that wasn't taken on a phone or computer. In fact, if you have any old photos lying around your house, they might be worth a fortune! The problem is that most of these photos are sitting in albums or boxes, gathering dust. If you want to keep your memories safe for future generations, it's important to digitize them. In this blog post, we will discuss the best way to digitize old photos so that you can preserve them forever.

✍🏻 Written by Dr. Laura Whitman from MemoryCherish

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of how to digitize photos.

It’s hard to believe, but many people have never seen a photo that wasn’t taken on a phone or computer. In fact, if you have any old photos lying around your house, they might be worth a fortune!

The problem is that most of these photos are sitting in albums or boxes, gathering dust. If you want to keep your memories safe for future generations, it’s important to digitize them.

how to digitize photos

In this blog post, we will discuss the best way to digitize old photos so that you can preserve them forever.

Tips To Get The Best Digital Photos

Before you get to photo scanning, there are a few things you must do to prepare your old photographs beforehand.

First, check for signs of damage, such as tears, creases, or water stains. If possible, try to repair any damage before scanning.

Second, gently clean the surface of the photo using a soft cloth. Be careful not to scrub too vigorously, as this could damage the photo.

Then, gently trim any excess paper from the edges of the photo. This will help to prevent any unwanted white space from appearing in your scanned image. By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that your scanned photos are of the best possible quality.

how to digitize photos

How To Digitize Photos

As you begin to digitize your photos, it’s essential that you capture all the detail and nuance of your photographs.

Two easy methods for achieving high-resolution scans are using your phone or a flatbed scanner.

Scan Photos With Your Smartphone

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to scan multiple photos, your smartphone is the perfect tool as you can use your phone camera or a photo scan app. Here’s how to get started.

Create A Space To Scan

After you have cleaned your photos, you should set up a space to scan your photos. This will ensure that you have enough light and a clean background. Choose a spot near a window with natural light, or set up a lamp next to your scanning area.

Once you’re satisfied with the room lighting, you’re ready to start digitizing your photo prints.

Ensure They Are Flat And Even

You want to keep your print photos flat so that you will get a clear scan of all the edges. You can use tape to keep the photos in place while scanning them.

Scan The Photos

Open up your phone’s camera or scanner app and stand perpendicular to the photo. If you use a photo scanner app, it will show you the dimensions and automatically crop out the regions outside the photo.

how to digitize photos

It is also important to not block the light source while scanning photos.

Save Your Digitized Photos In The Cloud

After you have made digital copies of your old photographs, you should back them up online. You can store them on either iCloud or Google photos, and they will be there forever.

And that’s it, you have digitized your photos!

Make Photo Scans With Flatbed Scanner

Using a flatbed scanner is arguably the best way to save your physical photos as digital files. You can use a flatbed scanner to scan all the pictures in your photo albums in high resolution. You can even use it to scan sepia photos and film negatives!

A lot of these scanners also include smart features that allow users to scan straight into a cloud-based service from third-party providers.

Here’s how to get started.

Get your scanner and set it up on a sturdy surface. Then, open the scanning software on your computer and follow the instructions.

Most scanners will require you to place your photo facedown on the glass.

Next, you’ll need to select the settings for your scan.

The resolution is important here- you want to make sure you’re scanning at a high enough quality and file format to preserve the details in your photo.

how to digitize photos

Once you’ve selected your settings, hit scan and wait for the process to finish.

After your photos have been scanned, you can save them to your computer or upload them online.

Now, you can rest assured knowing that your precious family memories have been preserved for future generations!

What If My Old Family Photos Are Damaged?

Unfortunately, some photos might have acquired some fade and tears before you scan them. Scanning them can preserve them but they will be of bad quality.

That is where we come in place!

We are MemoryCherish and we are the #1 image restoration company nationwide.

What Do We Do?

Our specialty is bringing damaged photos back to life and we provide a variety of photo restoration services all intended to restore the sentimental value of your old photos.

Unblur Pixelated Photos

Our restoration artists will closely examine your blurred image, remove stains, fix missing pieces, mold, blur, refine and add more detail and color to each image. We won’t stop until all your photos are in the best condition.

Add Color To Black And White Photos

Do you want to change your old black and white photo to a color photo? Well, you’re in luck!

We would repair your original photo with realistic colors so that they look brand new.

Increase Image Resolution

In case you have new digital images that you need to enhance as well, look no further. We will have your photo restored utilizing both the expertise of our professionals and our next-gen photo restoration software.

How Reliable Is MemoryCherish?

For one, we have a 4.8/5 star rating on Trustpilot, and 4.9/5 on Reviews.io.

Our commitment to producing stellar quality restoration has even landed us on news reports by ABC, NBC, and FOX news.

Due to our brilliant restoration services, we have acquired a partnership with Adobe and work with them on a regular basis.

What Do I Need To Do?

First, you need to make them clean and ready for restoration. You can check out how to clean your old photos.

Next, you need to carefully scan this photograph. Then, you upload it and pick your restoration options.

how to digitize photos

You place your order, and that’s it, we go ahead and work wonders!

How Long Does It Take?

We will restore and send a digital copy of your sharpened image with beautiful added color back to you by email within 24 hours.

If there is anything you would like us to change on your restored photo, revisions are allowed on every restoration, completely free!

We also offer nationwide delivery of restored physical photos!

Can I Contact Someone For More Information?

Our customer support is available 24/7 to answer any further questions. You can send us an email at: support@memorycherish.com.

About The Author
Dr. Laura Whitman | MemoryCherish
Dr. Laura Whitman | MemoryCherish

Dr. Laura Whitman is the Head of Education at MemoryCherish, the #1 photo restoration company in the world.

With a PhD in Art History and a specialization in photographic preservation, she brings an unrivaled breadth of knowledge to her role.
Over her 19-year tenure in the field, Dr. Whitman has become a respected authority on topics ranging from photo restoration techniques to historical context and genealogy.

Her work has been recognized by major media outlets such as ABC, NBC, and FOX News, and she has been trusted with collaborations by Adobe. As an educator, she has developed numerous 'how-to' guides and tutorials, making photo restoration accessible to millions.

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