Today's technology makes it easier than ever to convert negatives to a digital format. Scanning services will take your negatives, quickly scan them using high-resolution scanning equipment, and burn the resulting image files onto a CD that you can use to archive your memories. If you have a pile of negatives that you want to have scanned, make sure you prepare them properly for the process.
Handle Negatives Carefully
When you convert negatives to a digital file, any damage on the negative will be included on the scanned image. This happens because the scanner scans the image exactly as it is. As you prepare your negatives to send them to the scanning company, do not touch their surfaces. Handle negative by the edges only, because fingerprints are almost impossible to remove from a negative. If you are going to be handling several negative strips, you may want to purchase a pair of negative handling cotton gloves.
Organizing Negatives
If you have hundreds of negatives that you will be scanning, organize them before you send them to the scanning service. Some companies can compile the images into a DVD format with captions and music, but this will make no sense if you have not first grouped them according to the event. Consider organizing them in a chronological order so that the CD or DVD is organized as well. This will make it easier to find the images you want when you have your digital copy.
Cleaning Negatives
Use a cotton, lint free cloth or your negative handling gloves to gently dust off your negatives. Do not rub them roughly, however, because this can add scratches. Your goal is to gently remove any dust without damaging the image. If you have ever stapled the negatives to something, remove the staple carefully. Some developers glue paper or plastic backing to negatives when they package the finished prints. If your negatives have this, remove it. Most scanning companies do not mind receiving negatives that are in a plastic sleeve, however, and this can protect them during shipment.
Packaging Negatives
Your particular scanning company should have guidelines for packaging your negatives. If they do not, consider wrapping them in a zip-top plastic bag. This will keep them secure during transport. Mail them in a bubble or cardboard mailer to avoid any damage from envelopes being bent during transport. Consider purchasing insurance on the package. While it will not replace the lost memories if a shipping problem arises, you will be reimbursed. You may also want to purchase a tracking service if it is available so that you can keep track of your negatives while they are on route to the negative scanning company.
The right preparation will help the process to go smoothly. When you convert negatives to a digital format, you are left with a photo CD that can be stored just about anywhere and is resistant to damage. You will also get your negatives back, so you will not lose your originals in the process. In this way, you can have the best of both worlds, both digital and film photography.
Handle Negatives Carefully
When you convert negatives to a digital file, any damage on the negative will be included on the scanned image. This happens because the scanner scans the image exactly as it is. As you prepare your negatives to send them to the scanning company, do not touch their surfaces. Handle negative by the edges only, because fingerprints are almost impossible to remove from a negative. If you are going to be handling several negative strips, you may want to purchase a pair of negative handling cotton gloves.
Organizing Negatives
If you have hundreds of negatives that you will be scanning, organize them before you send them to the scanning service. Some companies can compile the images into a DVD format with captions and music, but this will make no sense if you have not first grouped them according to the event. Consider organizing them in a chronological order so that the CD or DVD is organized as well. This will make it easier to find the images you want when you have your digital copy.
Cleaning Negatives
Use a cotton, lint free cloth or your negative handling gloves to gently dust off your negatives. Do not rub them roughly, however, because this can add scratches. Your goal is to gently remove any dust without damaging the image. If you have ever stapled the negatives to something, remove the staple carefully. Some developers glue paper or plastic backing to negatives when they package the finished prints. If your negatives have this, remove it. Most scanning companies do not mind receiving negatives that are in a plastic sleeve, however, and this can protect them during shipment.
Packaging Negatives
Your particular scanning company should have guidelines for packaging your negatives. If they do not, consider wrapping them in a zip-top plastic bag. This will keep them secure during transport. Mail them in a bubble or cardboard mailer to avoid any damage from envelopes being bent during transport. Consider purchasing insurance on the package. While it will not replace the lost memories if a shipping problem arises, you will be reimbursed. You may also want to purchase a tracking service if it is available so that you can keep track of your negatives while they are on route to the negative scanning company.
The right preparation will help the process to go smoothly. When you convert negatives to a digital format, you are left with a photo CD that can be stored just about anywhere and is resistant to damage. You will also get your negatives back, so you will not lose your originals in the process. In this way, you can have the best of both worlds, both digital and film photography.
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