When scanning an image for upload please consider the following recommendations.

Scan in true color or gray scale?

 

Scan all pictures, including black and white, in true color.

 

Pictures talk.  The original state of the picture is extremely important for the proper decryption of original state.  From a technical viewpoint, true color scanning pulls out more depth, than 256k grayscale.  Please make as few adjustments to the scan as possible.

 

What dpi should I use?

 

Block in the area to be scanned.   Then incrementally increase (or decrease) the dpi settings until the scanner reports a scanned file size of around 10 megabytes.  This will determine the dpi settings.  A 10 megabyte image when saved as a jpg, using minimal compression, (maximal resolution) will compress to below 1.44 megabytes.  It will fit on a single floppy.

In all cases do not exceed the optical dpi specifications (usually 600dpi) of your scanner  (interpolation characteristics vary widely among scanners).  Once again, maximal originality is key.

What can I do to ensure the best scan possible?

 

Clean your scanner bed and remove all dust before scanning.  Dust will show up in your picture and will have to be digitally removed by a specialist thereby increasing the level of difficulty of the restoration.

 

Inspect the image for any substances adhering to the front of the photograph (i.e., cellophane tape, pen marks, or finger prints). If a photograph has cellophane tape on the front, the scanners will pick it up. Consequently, it will need to be digitally removed thus increasing the difficulty of the work. Any blemishes which can be removed from the print by conventional cleaning methods before the image is scanned will obviously not have to be removed by a digital specialist.

What format should I save my picture to?

 

We recommend saving your scanned pictures in .jpg format.  We recommend using minimal compression and do not alter your picture after saving.  The .jpg format uses a "loosy" method and each time the file is saved it will reduce the quality of your picture.

How do I scan negatives?

 

Negative scans require special equipment.  We recommend you use the mailing option to send your negatives to us for scanning.  Your negatives will be returned with your completed order.  

 

 

What about cropping?

 

The output of an image is relative to the size of the input.  In simple terms this means that unless a scanned print is 2" x 2 1/2", 4" x 5", etc., it cannot be printed in its entirety to 8x10 size. One or both sides of   the image (in landscape mode) or the top and/or bottom (in portrait mode) will have to be cropped, or background needs to be cloned to fill an 8x10 sheet of paper. If the entire image area is important it can be printed fully but larger than normal borders will have to be present on the long side of the 8x10 paper, whether in portrait or landscape mode.  If cropping of your image is required, please specify preferred side of image to crop.