Scanning Large Photos

[Old Photos]

Here is an article on how to scan and edit old photos that are too large for you scanner.

http://www.redrosephotos.co.uk/scanning-photos/

Of if you want the step by step guide with picture visit

http://www.sxc.hu/blog/post/1720

Gaining access to larger scanners can be very problematic and the above process demonstrates how even with a relatively small scanner you can scan in different parts of the photo, digitally stitch them together and end up with a full flawless digital image.

[Warin]

Umm .. if you don't want to bother with that process, simply photograph it with your digital camera .. saves scanning a few times, stitching and adjusting contrasts, colours etc. I usually lay it on the floor and use a tripod for the camera facing downwards.. the further away you can get the less distortion there will be (stairwell?)

Errr .. the link says A5 is large .. in fact it is small .. A5 = A4 divided in half, A4 being the 'normal' size used eg for writing letters/reports .. bit less than foolscap. I'd think they mean to say A2....

Some of the newer photocopiers have a scan to net/disk function. You might find a large one somewhere that are willing to do a larger scan than you can do at home. Possibly at a public library?

[Old Photos]

I suppose it depends what you're happy with? A quick fix would be to photograph the photo, however  to do that accurately isn't straight forward and there is a big chance the image won't be as good as the original.

If you want something that's as good or better than the original then scanning is the best way forward.

[Greensleeves]

That's useful information OP - always looking for ways of maintaining the integrity of the original and it is good to have various methods under the belt!

Thanks for sharing.

Regards
GS

[rsinbad]

Scanners are not always the best option, I use a high end camera (36mp) up to 70mb images shot as a Raw file.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nB8GJVmPp2s

There are pro's and con's to each method ,but I prefer my camera as i get better results

If you want something that's as good or better than the original then scanning is the best way forward

Not sure a scanner can get better than the original ?

Regards Roy

[Old Photos]

As I say, different opinions for different people.

However, for the amateur the scanning option is probably better.

With regards scanning, there are endless examples of scanning an old photo and editing it so it looks better than the original. Many of which are on this site. The scanners that are generally available these days and the results they produce are pretty much flawless when operated correctly.

[Greensleeves]

If you have a brilliant camera and can save as a raw file, you can undoubtedly get good results.  But most of us have ordinary little ditigal cameras which just aren't up to the job.  My daughter has a v fancy Nikon which cost her an arm and a leg which gives brilliant results - but of course, you have to know how to use it; and I'm not sure she would want me playing around with it and I'm not sure I would want to try.   

[rsinbad]

greensleeves
Yes do have a good camera, cameras have come a long way since the brownie  some of the lower end entry level cameras  have high MP and quite capable of producing great images including raw files.

If you don't have a decent camera then a scanner is for you , but if people do have one then this is an alternative to import quality images.

Post processing images is a different issue and again if you have good software cs6 etc and a lot of practice you can improve the image albeit from a scanner or camera, but again it depends on how deep your pocket is.

[Warin]

If you want something that's as good or better than the original then scanning is the best way forward.

  Better than the original? As good as the original?

Umm depends on how you define 'better' and 'good' I suppose .. but in technical terms every stage of the analog reproduction process introduces degradation (noise, distortion etc) thus you cannot 'improve' on the original? Removal of things you may not want/like may be seen as better but in terms of preservation better off with the original.