Print scanning
Family prints scanned in Smoky Lake and returned with clean digital files, ready to share, print or restore.
On request
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Scanning in Smoky Lake
Scan the originals once, properly
Old prints fade, film curls and slides yellow. I scan them in Smoky Lake, clean the files, and return the originals to you with a digital copy you can share and print.
What I scan
Pick the format you have. If your collection mixes several, one quote covers all of it.
35 mm film scanning
35 mm negatives and film strips scanned frame by frame in Smoky Lake and returned with clean digital files.
On request
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Slide scanning
Mounted slides scanned in Smoky Lake and returned with clean digital files, with faded colour brought back.
On request
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Non-standard negative scanning
Medium format, large format and other unusual negatives scanned with care in Smoky Lake.
On request
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Why not DIY
A flatbed at home is not enough
A home scanner can digitise a print. It rarely handles curled film, dusty slides or a faded colour cast well, and a bad scan locks those flaws into the file you keep.
I handle each item by hand, clean it before it goes on the glass, and check every file against the original. If a print is damaged, the scan is the first step of a restoration, so I capture it with that in mind.
Scanning takes place in Smoky Lake. You can bring items in, arrange a pick-up, or post them to me with Canada Post. Edmonton clients can read how that works on the Edmonton page.
Scanning questions
Before you bring anything
What can you scan?
Prints, 35 mm film, slides and non-standard negatives. If you have something unusual, describe it when you ask for a quote and I tell you whether I can scan it.
Will my originals be safe?
I handle every item with care and return your originals to you with the digital files. If you post them, read the guide to packing and sending photos first.
What resolution should I choose?
It depends on the original and on what you plan to do with the scan. I agree the resolution with you in the quote. The guide to choosing a scanning resolution explains the trade-offs.
Can you scan a whole collection?
Yes. Tell me roughly how many prints, film strips and slides you have and I quote the collection as one order.
Guides
Read before you decide
How to Choose DPI When Scanning Old Photos
DPI explained with real numbers: what resolution to pick for prints, film and slides, and when higher stops helping.
Read the guide
How to Scan Old Photos at Home, and When to Hire Help
A step-by-step guide to scanning old family photos at home with a flatbed scanner or a phone, plus the signs it is time to ask a professional.
Read the guide
How to Prepare Photos and Film for Scanning
A practical checklist for sorting, cleaning and labelling prints, film and slides before scanning, so the job goes faster and nothing gets damaged.
Read the guide
Let's talk
Ready to digitise the archive?
Tell me how many items you have and what format they are in. I reply with a plan and a quote.