Scanning Photos to use in a LO

Hi all

I have a number of old photos that I am hoping to use in a layout for my mum but I don't want to use the originals in the LO.

I am unsure what resolution I need to scan them at to ensure that I can print off a good picture to use in the layout. Storage of the scanned photos is not a problem as we have 3 hard disks in the computer.

What resolutions do you all use? Can you scan them at a too high resolution?

Many thanks. Helen

Reply to
Helen T
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Helen...I am no expert at this but I scan and print all photos for LO's or use digital printed images.....never use the original :o) I know some folks have no problem using originals and others get another set of pics processed. The 'rule of thumb' is if you have no negative and the photo is precious.....use a copy and preserve the original in a photo-safe archive box!

If you have a good printer (photo quality) then I say use it ! If your photos are a good size, i.e. 6 x 4 I would scan at 300 dpi unless they need repairing or fixing...then I use 600dpi to give me more to play with. Also if you want to resize them go for 600! For example...last night I scanned a picture that was less than 3 x 3 to begin with at 600 dpi and I have reproduced it for a LO at 6 x 6. It isn't perfect but it is better detail-wise than the original which is almost 25 years old, fading and I have no negative to get another done. Most seem to say that the minimum dpi suitable for printing photos is 150 dpi and you need to use good quality photo paper and ink and make sure your settings are set for Best Quality. I would not do lower than 300 dpi if at all possible!

I am not sure if you can scan at too high a resolution but the higher you go, the larger the file size, the more work for your PC. :o) HTH

Reply to
Marilyn

Hi Marilyn

I have just thought of another question - what is the best type of paper to print photos on to be included in LOs? Does it need to be Acid Free?

Ta Helen

Reply to
Helen T

Helen....I use an Epson Stylus Photo RX 500 All-in-One, so I use Epson Premium Glossy Photo Paper mostly. Many say that you should use the Photo Paper recommended by your printer manufacturer but there are other great papers around that give good results. I occasionally buy my photo paper from Asda (Georgia Pacific brand) if I run out of Epson and I buy GP acid-free paper and cardstock for journalling and photo mats too. They do a pack with Earthtones, which is pretty useful with most coloured 12 x 12 cardstock+ I also buy white. Both sell for under a £5 and last ages.

The acid issue is particularly relevant to your processed photos as the acid in paper, card, adhesives, etc. can migrate and cause your photos to deteriorate quicker. If you are printing your own you should take similar care of them but I don't think that everything available tells you if it is acid-free or not. There lies a bit of the problem! Buy a Marvy Uchida Neutral 7 Acid Identifier Pen if you can! If you make a small mark on the back of what you plan to use it will give a reading....with 7 being Neutral PH. That is best case scenario :o)

Hope that helps, Marilyn (posting via google as the servers are slow tonight)

Reply to
Marilyn

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