Laboratory & processes Reading time: 2 min
Scanning negatives, slides and photographs
Scanning turns an original photograph into a digital file. The right scan quality depends on what you want to do: share a memory, build an archive or make a large print.
Start with the best available original
Well-preserved negatives and slides often offer more information than a small paper copy. An old photograph can also be scanned if it is the only available source. Bring originals without cleaning them with an improvised product: scratches, adhesives and fragile surfaces require care.
Useful resolution
The file’s pixel dimensions and the intended print size matter more than an isolated resolution figure. Enlarging a small negative requires a suitable scan. A file for a phone has different needs from one for an exhibition print. Tell us the largest planned use to avoid unnecessary rescanning.
JPEG, TIFF and corrections
JPEG is convenient for viewing and sharing. TIFF may suit a working or archive file needing greater flexibility, depending on the selected service. Specify whether you want a rendering close to the original or corrections. Scanning, dust removal and restoration are different operations to define in your request.
Organising an archive
For family photographs or an image collection, prepare clear groups and names. Sorting by envelope, date or event makes communication easier. Before a large batch, a representative sample helps approve the appearance and file organisation.
After scanning
Keep several copies of your files on separate media and preserve the originals. Files make images easier to access, while negatives and slides remain valuable sources. Scanning cannot reliably recreate a detail that is missing or destroyed.
Your questions
Does scanning remove every scratch?
No. Some corrections are possible, but substantial restoration requires specialist work.
Can I order prints afterwards?
Yes. After checking quality, we prepare the file for the intended size and medium.