Top 20 Questions Everyone Asks About Photo Scanning (With Honest Answers You Need)
Wondering if it’s really worth scanning your old family photos? You’re not alone. Here are the 20 most common questions people ask about photo scanning… with clear, human answers to help you protect your family memories.
A Personal Story That Started It All
When I was six years old, my dad hugged me at Disneyland. That picture was the last one we ever took together before he passed away. It is still my most cherished memory. Without it, part of my story would be missing. That’s the reason ScanMyPhotos was created: to help people protect the photos that matter most. Every family has boxes of prints in closets and albums. And everyone has the same questions before deciding to digitize. Here are the 20 most common questions, answered simply.
20 Common Questions About Scanning Photos
1. Can I take my photos somewhere to be scanned?
Yes. Local shops and drugstores may offer assistance, but trusted mail-in services typically provide higher quality and faster turnaround times.
2. How much memory do 1,000 scanned photos take up?
At 300 dpi JPEG: about 3–5 GB. At 600 dpi or TIFF: closer to 10–20 GB.
3. Is it really worth digitizing old photos?
Absolutely. Prints fade and can be lost in disasters. Digital files stay safe and are easy to share.
4. How much does scanning usually cost?
Anywhere from $0.08 to $0.99 per photo. Services like ScanMyPhotos.com offer flat-rate boxes that save money.
5. What’s the best resolution to scan photos at?
300 dpi is perfect for most prints. 600 dpi is best for enlargements or keepsakes.
6. How long does it take to scan a shoebox of photos?
Professionals can finish in hours. Doing it yourself may take weeks.
7. Should I scan photos myself or use a service?
DIY is fine for a few. For hundreds or thousands, pro scanning is faster, safer, and often more affordable, and this is quick at ScanMyPhotos.
8. What’s the safest way to send photos for scanning?
Sturdy boxes with tracking. Many customers add Apple AirTags or Tiles for peace of mind. More photo scanning packing tips.
9. Can I include a GPS tracker like an AirTag?
Yes, and nearly half of ScanMyPhotos.com customers do exactly that.
10. Will my original prints be returned?
Yes. Most services ship them back with your digital files. Some offer recycling if you choose.
11. Why not just snap pictures with my phone?
Phone photos capture glare and distortions. Scanning produces crisp, even, high-resolution files.
12. Can slides, negatives, and scrapbooks also be scanned?
Yes. Many services digitize slides and film strips, but not albums and scrapbook pages, because of their delicate nature.
13. Do scanned photos lose quality over time?
No. Digital files stay sharp forever if backed up properly.
14. Can faded or scratched photos be restored?
Yes. Color correction and restoration services like ScanMyPhotos’ “Fix & Restore” can revive old images beautifully.
15. What file formats are scans delivered in?
JPEG is a standard. TIFF is available for archival quality at some professional photo archival services.
16. How do I share scanned photos with family?
Upload to cloud storage, email, create slideshows, or share on social media.
17. Can I store my photos online permanently?
Yes. Services like Google Photos, iCloud, or Forever.com offer cloud storage. Always check privacy policies.
18. What’s the difference between 300 dpi and 600 dpi?
300 dpi is good for everyday prints. 600 dpi doubles the detail and works best for enlargements.
19. How do I organize thousands of digital photos?
Sort by year, event, or person. Use tagging or metadata so they’re easy to find later.
20. What’s your photo scanning question?
Final Thoughts
The questions are the same for everyone: Is it safe? Is it worth it? Is it affordable? The real risk is waiting. Photos fade, storms destroy homes, and time doesn’t wait. The best way to protect your family’s history is to digitize now. Your photos tell the story of your life. Don’t let them disappear in a box. Waiting to digitize? Now’s the time. Start here → ScanMyPhotos.com
Bonus FAQ Section
How do I scan old photos at home?
Use a flatbed scanner for small batches. For large collections, pro scanning is faster.
How safe is mailing photos for scanning?
With trackable shipping and GPS tags, it’s very secure. Most services return your originals.
Will I get my photos back?
Yes. Scanning companies return prints along with the digital files.
How safe is mailing photos for scanning?
With trackable shipping and GPS tags, it’s very secure. Photo scanning services like ScanMyPhotos.com return your original photos and the GPS tracker. This is a unique new service from ScanMyPhotos.
