Print and album scanning
Printed photographs often carry the only record of early family moments, and many cannot be replaced. We scan loose prints and album photos with great care so they can be included clearly in a memorial tribute video or slideshow.
What this service includes
Our print and album scanning service is for families who want to use physical photographs in a tribute video, funeral slideshow or remembrance piece. We handle loose prints, selected album pages and small batches of meaningful family photos dropped off in Durbanville or sent to us from elsewhere in South Africa.
The focus is careful digitising rather than mass archiving. We scan each chosen image so it can be used well on screen, then organise the files for the tribute project. Where needed, we can also note the order of an album or group related photos together so the story still makes sense for relatives who will watch the video.
- Loose print scanning for standard photo sizes and mixed family collections
- Album photo scanning where images should not be removed from the page
- Simple rotation and upright correction where needed
- Basic dust spotting and minor tidy-up for better screen viewing
- File organisation for use in a memorial slideshow or tribute video
- Safe return of original prints and albums after scanning
How we handle albums and loose prints
Some photographs are curled, faded or fixed into older albums with fragile backing. In those cases we work in the least intrusive way possible. We do not force photos out of albums when removal may cause damage. Instead, we scan from the page and adjust carefully so the image is suitable for viewing on a TV, laptop or hall display during a service.
Loose prints are sorted by size and condition before scanning. Album pages are checked for reflection, page lift and shadowing near the binding. If a page needs special handling we take that into account before scanning begins. Families often worry that older prints will be bent or marked during the process, but we work slowly and with clean handling throughout.
- Gentle handling of older paper prints and delicate album pages
- No forced removal of mounted photos where damage is likely
- Care taken with curled edges, faded prints and handwritten notes on the back
- Suitable scanning choices for tribute use rather than overprocessing the image
The scanning process step by step
We keep the process straightforward because families are often working under emotional pressure and funeral planning deadlines. Once your photos reach us, we review what has been provided and identify anything that may need special care or clarification. From there we scan, check file quality and prepare the images for the next stage of the tribute.
If any labels, dates or family notes are important to the story, include them with the photos so we can keep the sequence clear. A simple numbered list or sticky notes on sleeves can help a lot, especially when several households are contributing pictures.
- Receive loose prints or albums by drop-off in Durbanville, or from elsewhere in South Africa by arrangement
- Review quantity, condition and preferred order
- Scan the selected photos at settings suited to clear screen display and careful cropping
- Check orientation, brightness and file clarity
- Organise the final image files for use in your memorial video or slideshow
- Return the original materials and provide digital copies with the completed tribute delivery
What to prepare before sending photos
A little preparation helps us work more smoothly and reduces uncertainty at a difficult time. You do not need to sort everything perfectly, but it helps to choose the photos that matter most rather than sending entire cupboards of mixed family records. Most tribute videos are stronger when they focus on meaningful stages of life, close family and memorable everyday moments.
Please avoid writing directly on original prints. If a picture must be included even though it is damaged, torn or small, send it anyway and we will advise how best it can be used. If more than one family member is contributing photos, group them in separate envelopes or sleeves so nothing gets confused.
- Choose the key photos you want included, rather than every photo available
- Group prints loosely by life stage, family branch or event
- Add notes for names, places or approximate dates if these should appear in titles
- Keep photos dry and flat during transport, especially in Cape winter weather or humid coastal conditions
- Do not use tape, staples or glue on the prints
- Tell us if any photo is especially fragile or must be kept in a strict order
How pricing is worked out
Pricing is generally based on the amount of handling involved rather than only the number of pictures. Loose prints that are clean and similar in size usually take less time than older album pages with tight bindings, reflective covers or mixed layouts. Images that need extra care, careful cropping or light restoration work may also affect the total.
Where families are combining scanning with a tribute video or slideshow, we look at the work as part of the full memorial project. We explain what is included before proceeding so you know whether the request is mainly straightforward scanning or whether it includes more hands-on preparation. This helps avoid surprises later, and keeps the process calm and clear.
In broad terms, the final amount depends on quantity, condition, whether prints are loose or album-mounted, and how much image cleanup is needed. If you want to proceed, please contact us through the enquiry form and tell us what you have.
Aftercare and delivery of your scanned photos
Once scanning is complete, the image files are kept organised for use in your memorial tribute project. Originals are returned carefully, and the scanned files are supplied as part of the video delivery package where agreed. We recommend keeping the digital copies in more than one safe place so the family has them for future anniversaries and remembrance gatherings.
If several relatives may want access later, it is wise to decide who will keep the master set of files and the original albums. Older prints can continue to fade in strong light or damp storage, so after scanning it helps to store them flat, dry and out of direct sun. Even a simple labelled box or sleeve system makes future sharing much easier.
This service is for preparing treasured photographs for tribute use. We do not provide general long-term archiving programmes, live filming of services or funeral arranging, but we can guide you on the best way to include scanned family photos in a respectful memorial video.
What our Memorial Tribute Videos customers say
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Questions we get asked
Do I need to remove photos from the album first?
No. If removal could damage the photo or page, please leave it in place. We can scan many album photos directly from the page.
Can you use very old or faded prints?
Often yes. Even when a print is faded, small or worn, it may still work well in a tribute video after careful scanning and light adjustment.
Can family members from different towns send photos for one tribute?
Yes. Families across South Africa often combine photos from different households. Let us know whose photos belong together and any order that matters.
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