Preserving family photos in digital format is an excellent way to ensure memories will last for generations.
Organizing the family photos can be a daunting task, especially if there are any shutterbugs in the clan. Attics, basements, crawlspaces and closets become filled with shoeboxes and albums packed with photographs intended for generations ahead to enjoy. However, if these family treasures are left to languish in the dark corners of our homes, they are susceptible to damage and, in a worst case scenario, destruction. Creating a digital back-up is great insurance against this.
Get Equipped!
To make electronic copies of family photographs, a few key pieces of equipment are required. These include a high-resolution scanner, personal computer with sufficient storage for high-quality digital files, and if possible, a CD burner and external hard drive. Photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop is also necessary
Gathering Photos
Haul out all of those old albums, Photo Hut envelopes, shoeboxes, scrapbooks and loose prints from closets, basements, attics and desk drawers. Begin by sorting them into categories applicable to the collection of photos. For example, photos of kids, of pets, of a home, garden or sort by events, such as holidays, birthdays, outings, etcetera.
Scanning
Most home use scanners allow for up to five photographs to be scanned at a time. A typical flatbed home scanner such as the CanoScan LIDE 35 will accommodate five 3 x 5” or three 4 x 6” photographs. Place as many photographs as will fit face-down on the scanner glass. Use the scanner’s software to adjust the settings for the largest size scan and the preferred resolution. 400 dpi (dots per inch) is a good resolution for family photos. A generic name for each scan will need to be applied to each file. Don’t worry if some of the photographs are oriented sideways or upside down. Adjustments can be made later on.
Cropping
Each scanned file saved on a computer will contain several smaller images. Use Adobe Photoshop of Microsoft Office Picture Manager to crop, rotate and save each individual image according to personal preferences. MS Office Picture Manager has a nice feature that will enable the user to maintain the standard aspect ratios of the original photograph.
Organizing
Once all of the photographs have been scanned and saved, organize them into appropriately labeled folders on the computer. Archivers may wish to burn a copy of the entire folder onto an archive-quality CD, create a slideshow DVD or move a copy of the folder to an external hard drive for added security. They may also like to upload images to a photo hosting website such as Flickr, Photobucket, Image Shack so they can easily be shared with friends and family members.
Although creating an archive of family photos can be time consuming, it will no doubt also be an enjoyable experience to take this stroll down memory lane as valuable photos are sorted, scanned and saved.
