There is something quietly unsettling about old photographs sitting in drawers. Fading at the edges. Curling slightly. Colours shifting in ways you never intended.

You tell yourself you will organise them someday. Preserve them properly. Maybe even share them with future generations.

But time moves. Paper ages. And memories, although emotional are physically fragile.

This is where photo scanning becomes important.

If you have ever wondered whether you should digitise your prints using a photo digitisation service but felt unsure where to begin, you are not alone. Across India, families own albums filled with decades of memories — weddings from the 80s, studio portraits, childhood celebrations, and early digital-era prints.

Each photograph carries history. And each one deserves preservation before it fades beyond recovery.

What Is Photo Scanning?

At its simplest, photo scanning is the process of converting printed photographs into high-resolution digital files using specialised scanning equipment.

A professional photograph scanning service captures visual details from physical prints and converts them into digital images that can be safely stored, restored, shared, or reprinted.

Photo scanning is not just copying images.

It is preservation.

Professional workflows involve:

• High-resolution archival scanning
  
  

• Colour calibration
  
  

• Dust and scratch correction
  
  

• Proper handling of delicate prints
  
  

• Optimised file formats for long-term storage
  
  

These technical aspects often make professional photo scanning services far more effective than basic scanning methods.

Why Photo Scanning Is More Important Than You Think

Printed photographs are vulnerable to:

• Humidity and temperature changes
  
  

• Sunlight exposure
  
  

• Album adhesives and chemical reactions
  
  

• Physical handling damage
  
  

• Colour fading over time
  
  

An old photo scanning service helps protect memories before deterioration becomes permanent.

Once digitised, your photographs can:

• Be safely stored in multiple backups
  
  

• Be digitally restored if damaged
  
  

• Be enlarged for framing
  
  

• Be shared instantly with family worldwide
  
  

• Remain preserved for future generations
  
  

Digital preservation does not replace originals,  it protects them.

DIY Photo Scanning vs Professional Photo Scanning Services

One common question people ask is:

Should I scan photos at home or use a professional service?

DIY Photo Scanning at Home

Home scanning works for small collections if you already own a flatbed scanner.

You must consider:

• 300–600 DPI resolution settings
  
  

• Cleaning scanner glass carefully
  
  

• Removing dust from photographs
  
  

• Correct colour configuration
  
  

• File organisation and naming
  
  

While possible, results often lack tonal depth and sharpness compared to professional scanning.

Using a Professional Photo Scanning Service

A professional photo digitisation service uses specialised archival equipment designed specifically for photographic preservation.

Benefits include:

• Higher image sharpness
  
  

• Accurate colour reproduction
  
  

• Better tonal range
  
  

• Safe handling of fragile prints
  
  

• Consistent workflow quality
  
  

Professional photo scanning services typically include:

• Manual dust inspection
  
  

• High DPI archival scanning
  
  

• Industry-standard colour calibration
  
  

• TIFF and high-quality JPEG delivery
  
  

• Secure digital storage and transfer
  
  

You are not simply scanning photos, you are safeguarding legacy.

What Resolution Should You Choose for Image Scanning?

Resolution determines how much detail your digital image retains.


300 DPI

• Suitable for basic digital storage
  
  

• Works well for small prints
  
  

• Good for casual sharing and online viewing
  
  

600 DPI (Recommended)

• Ideal for archival photo scanning
  
  

• Preserves details and textures
  
  

• Suitable for moderate enlargements
  
  

• Balances file size and quality for long-term preservation
  
  

1200 DPI or higher

• Best for small prints requiring significant enlargement
  
  

• Professional printing quality
  
  

• Captures maximum detail for restoration purposes

For long-term preservation, most experts recommend 600 DPI Image Scanning.

It ensures flexibility for restoration and future printing.

Understanding Photo Scanning File Formats

After using a photograph scanning service, files are usually delivered in:

JPEG

• Smaller file size
  
  

• Easy sharing
  
  

• Everyday viewing
  
  

TIFF

• Lossless quality
  
  

• No compression damage
  
  

• Ideal archival format
  
  

If scanning once for lifetime preservation, TIFF remains the preferred choice for professional photo digitisation services.