Digitizing your photos and videos

The advent of digital pictures and videos mean we don’t print as many photographs these days…but, if you have some filed away in photo albums or sitting in a box, there’s a way to organize and digitize them.

Chances are you have a stack of old photos, films, or slides collecting dust in your home.  But are you able to easily view and share them with family and friends?

“We have a lot of people that come in and they find the films in their grandparent’s house, they have the films done and when they get them back nobody knows who the people are in the film,” said Media Transfer Company Owner Jim Britt. “So get it done now while you still have people around that can identify the people in the films, so you can pass that family history along.”
There are professionals companies that have the knowledge and equipment to digitize a large amount of items in a short period of time and transfer them onto a DVD or a hard drive.

“The main benefit is time for people and expense,” Britt said. “If you want to scan it yourself you got to buy a scanner and then the amount of time it takes. And then also the expertise that we have in cleaning up the pictures and fixing them it’s something they are going to have to have to go look up and spend the time to figure out. Then also, just the amount of equipment that we have we are able to do things a lot quicker than most people.”
Angie’s List suggests asking some questions before handing over your photos or videos.
If you need the finished project for a special occasion or event, ask about the turnaround time – do they charge additional for a rush order?

“You really want to understand the cost. How do they charge? Do they charge a flat rate? Is it by the photo? Also, are there extra charges for color correction? You want to be sure you get the full glimpse of how much you are going to pay so you can compare quotes,” Angie’s List founder Angie Hicks said.
If you find a local company to do the job, you can likely just drop off your items, otherwise you’ll have to pack up and ship the materials.

Ask what steps the company takes to ensure your item’s safekeeping.

“What’s their process to make sure they are not damaged? Because if the original is damaged, you are out of luck, and that brings up another good point – make sure you are doing a small test with someone before you give them all of your photos. Take a few. See how it works before you do the rest of them,” Hicks said.
Until you are ready to digitize your photos and videos, store your materials in a safe, dry place like an interior closet.  Keep them away from attics and basements where humidity and moisture can cause damage.