Hobbies And Interests
Flatbed Scanner
Most flatbed scanners have an option for scanning pictures. When the feature is enabled, the scanner creates a more detailed scan capture more data than it would normally when it scans document. Flatbed scanners will create a digital file that can be used for personal use. Before you use a flatbed scanner to scan the photograph, clean the glass plate with a glass cleaner and allow it to dry thoroughly before placing your picture on the glass.
Drum Scanners
Drum scanners are the best option for scanning prints. The downside is, they are prohibitively expensive to buy, and even renting time on one is more than what a family would want to spend on converting pictures to digital files. However, if you are a professional photographer or have collection of old pictures that you want to archive using a drum scanner is the best way to accomplish this task.
Digital Camera &Copy Stand
Another inexpensive way to scan your photos into digital files is to use you digital single lens reflex camera and a copy stand. A picture copy stand is an easel with clamps to hold the picture in place. Two light sources are placed, one on each side of the picture and directed towards the print to illuminate it. Attach a standard to medium telephoto lens to your camera. Turn the lights on, attach the camera to a tripod and take a digital picture of the photo print. If you do not have a copy stand you use a table top, two desk lamps and a piece of clean glass to keep the photo flat.
Document Scanners
While flatbed scanners are better, document scanners that feed the document through the machine can also be used to scan pictures. The risk in using a document scanner is that the photograph could be damaged during the scan. The picture could be ripped or wind up with creases after being fed through the rollers. This option should be considered as the last potential option when scanning photographs.