Photo Prep Instructions

How to prepare your photos for scanning.

Photo Preparation Guidelines:

To get your photos ready for camera-ready high-resolution digital scans, please follow these instructions:

STEP 01

Remove Attachments

Remove loose photographs from envelopes, sleeves, and albums when possible. Remove paper clips, staples, sticky notes, and other attachments. Do not force photographs that are firmly attached to album pages.

STEP 02

Check Photograph Sizes

Standard shoebox scanning accepts photographs from 3" × 3" up to 8" × 10". Separate Polaroids, oversized photographs, and unusually thick prints for individual evaluation.

STEP 03

Group Photographs by Size

Keep photographs of similar dimensions together, such as 4" × 6" and 5" × 7" prints. Use separate bundles for each size to help streamline scanning and preserve your preferred order.

STEP 04

Orient Photographs Consistently

Arrange photographs face-up and in the same direction whenever practical. If you want your photographs scanned in a particular sequence, keep them in that order within each bundle.

Additional Preparation: Photographs requiring extra sorting, preparation, or special scanning order may incur additional handling charges. Please contact USA IMAGING before submitting collections requiring customized organization.

SPECIAL SCANNING CONSIDERATIONS

Photos Requiring Special Handling

Certain photographs may require additional care or a different scanning method. Review these guidelines for oversized, thick, delicate, or unusual materials before submitting your collection.

Photograph Thickness

Photographs thicker than a modern Polaroid, including some vintage cardboard-mounted prints, may require a different scanning method. Please separate these photographs for individual evaluation.

Special Materials

Newspaper clippings, laminated photographs, irregularly shaped prints, and photographs with adhesive residue should be separated for evaluation. These materials may not be suitable for standard shoebox scanning.

Dust & Surface Condition

Gently remove loose surface dust with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth when safe. Do not rub fragile photographs or attempt to remove adhesive residue yourself. Set aside delicate or damaged prints for special handling.

Identification & Special Instructions

Group and label collections when specific folder names or scanning sequences are required. Discuss any customized organization needs before submitting your photographs. Additional sorting or preparation may involve extra charges.

Important: These guidelines apply primarily to standard shoebox photo scanning. Oversized, fragile, mounted, or otherwise unusual photographs may be suitable for alternative scanning methods. Please contact USA IMAGING before submitting these materials.

Scanning Services for Every Type of Document

Photo Orientation: Correct vs. Incorrect

“Place photographs face-up and in the same direction within each bundle. Incorrect orientation may result in upside-down scans or images of the back of the photograph.”