Seven Scanning Questions, Answered, Thanks to Beatlemania!

Scanning photos and memorabilia – I’ve said alot about it over the years. Spurred on by the contents of a client’s Samsonite suitcase,  I thought I’d answer the seven most common scanning questions. But first, the story.

Anne loved the Beatles

Really loved the Beatles. Anne had a whole Samsonite suitcase of Beatles memorabilia on the floor in her closet. One day, Anne realized she had a story in that suitcase. Posters, tickets, programs, photos and even her school binder dividers, decorated with her Fab Four – each piece key to telling the story of her Beatlemania.

The Seven Most Common Scanning Questions

What can be scanned? Everything you see here and more: slides, negatives, tintypes, glass slides…

What if they’re in albums? That’s just fine.

Do I need to remove the photos first? No.

What about children’s artwork? It’s great to scan and use to tell your child’s story. Debbie made this sweet book from her daughter’s art.

Scanning lots of memorabilia can get expensive. You’re right. So, scan only the “Keepers” – the photos and memorabilia you’d be devastated to lose. Devastated – a high bar, I know, but don’t keep more than you need to tell the story of that memory. Other photos and items simply hide the ones that matter – the reason you keep memorabilia in the first place!

How do I find my Keepers? This webinar will give you the process, tips and tools you need. By the way, you’ve already found some Keepers – they’re your framed photos displayed around your home.

I can scan my photos myself, right? Yes. But there are things to know. You only want to do this scanning project once, so do it well. This blog post gives you the details you need to do it right. And, if you have a printer/copier/scanner, take a minute to watch this very short video before you use it. And, if you’d prefer to “hire out”, we’re here for you!

I’m not ready do anything, yet.

I get it. Just please do these three things to keep your photos and memorabilia safe until you are:

1. Move the boxes out of the attic, basement, garage or barn and into your house. Photographic images of all types should be kept in a dark location with stable humidity and temperature. A perfect spot is on a closet shelf inside the house, away from bathroom or laundry pipes. Remember, the pipes may be in the ceiling.

2. Get and use big, clear, clean zip-top bags. Nothing fancy; a clean, clear zip-top bag will do but be sure it doesn’t have the strong “plastic” smell. Close the bag leaving a bit of air inside and stack the bags carefully on top of each other in a sturdy plastic box that is NOT airtight but has a lid that overhangs the base. Photo albums are typically best left intact. Consider encasing everything in clear plastic bags for water protection.

3. Store everything off the floor, again in case of a water problem.

Back to Anne and her Beatlemania

Here are two pages from her Pix Story Book, created with the digital (scanned) versions of the memorabilia in her Samsonite suitcase.

Remember, Life is a story. Is there a story hiding in a suitcase in your closet, too?