Photo Organizing Versus Scanning: Culling, Dating and Preservation is Important
What We Do for Your Photos: The Difference Between Photo Organizing and a Scanning Shop
When it comes to preserving your family’s memories, not all services are created equal. A traditional scanning shop simply digitizes your images, often without any organization or long-term storage considerations. At Signature Photo Organizing, we go beyond scanning – we help bring order to your photo collections, ensuring they are preserved, accessible, and meaningful for generations to come.
How We Organize and Preserve Your Photos
Sorting & Organizing: Before scanning, we carefully organize your photos by perceived date and size, ensuring a logical sequence that makes it easy to navigate your collection and helps identify put important details like date ranges.
Scanned & Digitized: Your images are then professionally scanned, named, and saved on a state of the art hard drive for easy access and long-term preservation.
Acid-Free Storage: We then w place your scanned photos in acid-free envelopes and archival-quality photo boxes to prevent deterioration.
Labeled & Organized: Your collections have been carefully sorted and labeled to make them easy to find and enjoy.
***Note at all times we are wearing gloves and in a room with minimal light to maximize your images' safety.**
How to Store Your Photo & Media Collections
To further protect your unscanned photos, albums, videos, and artwork, we recommend the following storage best practices:
General Storage Guidelines:
✔ Store in a Cool, Dry Place – Keep your bins in a room with stable temperatures (ideally below 75°F) and low humidity (below 50%). Avoid basements, attics, and garages where moisture and temperature swings can cause damage.
✔ Use Acid-Free Containers – Store loose photos and albums in archival-quality boxes and albums to prevent fading and discoloration. ✔ Avoid Direct Sunlight – UV exposure can cause photos and documents to fade over time. Keep stored items away from windows and direct light sources.
✔ Keep Away from Water & Pests – Store items off the ground and away from potential leaks. Use sealed bins for added protection against dust and pests.
✔ Handle with Clean Hands – Oils and dirt from fingers can cause long-term damage to photos and delicate papers. When handling, consider wearing cotton gloves.
Photos & Albums:
✔ Place upright in archival-quality albums or stored flat in acid-free boxes to prevent bending.
✔ If albums are deteriorating (sticky pages, yellowing plastic), consider transferring images to modern acid-free, lignin-free albums.
✔ Avoid using rubber bands, paper clips, or tape on photos, as these materials can cause damage over time.
Videos & Film Reels:
✔ Store vertically in climate-controlled spaces to prevent warping.
✔ Keep away from magnets and electronic devices that can erase content.
✔ Consider digitizing tapes and reels soon—media formats degrade over time!
Artwork & Memorabilia:
✔ Use flat, acid-free folders for drawings, paintings, and delicate papers.
✔ Frame and display pieces with UV-protective glass to prevent fading.
✔ For larger collections, scan or photograph artwork for digital preservation.
Next Steps: Keeping Your Memories Safe
Backup Your Digital Files: Store copies of your scanned photos on an external hard drive, cloud storage, or both for added security.
Schedule Regular Check-Ins: Review and organize your photo collection once a year to ensure everything stays in good condition.
Reach Out for Help: Need further organizing, additional scanning, or expert advice? We’re here to help!
Thank you for trusting us with your cherished memories! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.