How to Scan a Photo for Restoration

A 3-step guide to scanning for photo restoration

Following this guide will help you create a high-quality scan, ensuring the best possible restoration and an accurate quote. The clarity and detail of your initial scan are crucial to achieving excellent final results. By following these simple steps, you can also save money, as I won’t need to spend additional time correcting issues caused by a poor-quality scan.

For the best results, use a dedicated flatbed scanner. These scanners offer superior optics, a more precise scanning mechanism, and advanced software for enhanced image quality.

If you only have access to a combined printer/scanner (often called an "all-in-one"), you can still achieve good results by following the tips below.

Dedicated flatbed scanner

If you don't have access to a high-quality scanner, several reputable sources offer expert advice and purchasing suggestions. For instance, PCMag provides comprehensive reviews and buying guides to help you choose the right scanner for your needs.

While it might be tempting to use your mobile phone or tablet as a scanner, I strongly advise against it. Despite the availability of numerous apps claiming to transform your mobile device into a scanner, they can’t match the quality of a dedicated scanner. Smartphone cameras often struggle with lighting, focus, aspect ratio, and image quality, leading to subpar scans. For a detailed comparison, you can refer to Ricoh's article on Scanning vs. Taking a Photo of a Document.

If purchasing a new scanner isn't feasible, I have extensive experience digitising photos of various types and conditions. You can send me your original photos, and I'll handle the scanning process using my own equipment to ensure the best possible restoration.

Step 1: Getting Ready

Before scanning, take a few simple steps to ensure the best possible results.

• Remove the photo from its frame (if applicable), being careful not to damage it in the process.

• Gently clean the photo using a soft, lint-free cloth or brush to remove any dust or debris. Do this away from the scanner to prevent particles from settling on the glass.

• Clean the scanner glass with a lint-free cloth, soft brush, or air duster to avoid smudges or dust affecting the scan.

• Familiarise yourself with your scanner’s software by reviewing the user manual or searching online for guidance specific to your model. This will help you configure the best settings for your scan.

• Position your photo correctly on the scanner bed, following your scanner’s alignment guides. Ensure the image lies completely flat—if necessary, gently press the lid down or place a lightweight book on top to keep it in place.

• Check that the entire photo fits within the scanning area to avoid cutting off any edges.

If you're unable to scan the photo yourself, you can send it to me for scanning using professional-grade equipment, or visit a local print and copy shop that offers scanning services.

Step 2: Scanning Your Photo

To achieve the best results, take a moment to configure your scanner settings rather than relying on the default "Scan" button. Pressing this button often triggers automatic settings that produce low-quality scans unsuitable for restoration.

For optimal results, adjust your scanner settings according to the recommended specifications for photo restoration before starting the scan.

If prompted to select a file type, choose TIFF for the highest quality. If TIFF isn't available, opt for a low-compression JPEG to preserve as much detail as possible.

Scanning Settings for Best Results

Colour or Greyscale

✅ Always scan in colour, even for black and white photos.
Scanning in colour captures more detail and tonal variations, which helps achieve a higher-quality restoration.

Resolution Guidelines

Choose the correct DPI (dots per inch) based on the size of your original photo:

• For small photos (up to 4" / 7.5cm wide): Scan at 1200 dpi

• For medium-sized photos (4"–8" / 7.5–20cm wide): Scan at 600 dpi

• For larger photos (over 8" / 20cm wide): Scan at 400 dpi

A higher resolution scan ensures better restoration quality, capturing all fine details.

Automatic Enhancements

❌ Turn off all automatic adjustments, such as sharpening, colour correction, and dust removal.
These settings can introduce unwanted changes and reduce the accuracy of the restoration process.

Step 3: Crop and Save

• Crop your scan: Ensure that only the image itself is scanned, not the entire scanner bed. Use your scanning software to crop or trim any extra blank space around the image, if necessary.

• Select the correct file format: Before saving, make sure you’ve chosen TIFF (or TIF) as your file format. Although TIFF files are large, they are ideal for restoration work since they don't compress the image data, preserving the highest quality.

• Alternative file format: If TIFF isn’t available, save the file as an uncompressed JPEG to maintain as much quality as possible.

Congratulations!

Now you’re ready to send me your scanned image.