FAQs.
Q. How can you do this so quickly & cheaply? It took me hours to scan just a small number of photos using my home PC equipment?
A. We have the specialised, high-speed equipment needed to scan in high volumes. We have the right software & have developed the best processes over the years.
Q. Will photos be cropped & re-orientate, so that the scans are the right way round and not sideways or upside down?
A. Yes, all photos will be cropped and orientated correctly as part of the service. We will also ensure that they are aligned (i.e. not squinty or skewed) and any faded or “sun-bleached” prints are colour restored and enhanced. Our goal is to deliver a finished product that leaves you with nothing to do.
Q. Does it matter that my photos are all different sizes, shapes & quality. And that some are black & white?
A. No. We can scan the lot. Very large photos; very small photos; and photos with backings may take a little longer but can still be done.
Q. Do you scan in order?
A. Yes. Photos will be scanned in order. This is important if you wish to return them to the same albums. Unusually large, small or odd shaped photos may be placed to one side and scanned separately.
Q. What resolution do you scan at?
A. Between 600 DPI (which is more than enough for most modern photos) and 12,800 DPI depending on what is being scanned and what the scans will be used for. We can advise on what is appropriate when you book. Similarly we can advise on compression settings.
Q. Is there any risk that my photos could be damaged?
A. No. We have never damaged a photo. It is perfectly normal for us to scan photos from the 19th century.
Q. Can you prepare DVD slideshows so family members can view the photos on their TVs?
A. Yes.
Q. Can the images be used to make a photobook?
A. Yes.
Q. What format is used?
A. Industry standard JPEGs for photos. PDF for documents.
Q. Can you scan long thin panoramic prints?
A. Yes. Including prints with 2 small images along one side.
Q. Can I take the data disk or memory stick to Boots and have photos printed from it?
A. Absolutely yes. The reprints will be superior to the originals, as the scans will have been colour-restored and enhanced.
Q. Can I put the SD card or memory stick in my digital photo frame and see my old photos on the frame?
A. Absolutely yes.
Q. How long will it take?
A. 250 photos realistically takes around two hours to scan.
Q. Can you scan slides & negatives?
A. Yes, but slides and negatives take much longer so cost more. It is cheaper and easier to scan prints and the results are just as good, even when some deterioration has occurred. We can scan small numbers of slides & negatives in the van, but prefer to undertake major orders back at our lab.
Q. Can you unpack & repack photo albums and scan photos glued in to albums?
A. Yes. We often do this for busy clients. Kindly contact us to discuss options.
Q. Can you convert VHS tapes & camcorder tapes to DVD?
A. Yes. We convert the common formats at our lab. Kindly contact us to discuss.
Q. Privacy is important to me. How can I be sure my photos are in safe hands?
A. We guarantee privacy. We have had several celebrity clients in the past (through recommendation) and understand how important it is to protect client privacy. In our corporate work it is quite normal for us to scan commercially sensitive materials such as multi-million pound contracts and tender documents.
Q. How do I know how many photos I have?
A. Please do not try to count them. Life is too short. As a guide a shoebox for a lady’s shoe holds approximately 1,000 “6×4” photos and weighs weighs 3.5KG. 1,000 Photos Looks Like:
