Where Should You Start When Digitizing Your Photo Collection?
If you’re staring at boxes, albums, and bins of old photos and feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. One of the biggest hurdles in any photo-preservation project is simply deciding where to begin.
While we often recommend starting with photo albums, because they take up the most space and are often the most vulnerable, there’s no single “right” place to begin. Different starting points offer different emotional wins and practical benefits.
Here are the most common places to start, and how to choose the one that’s right for your project.
1. Start With Photo Albums (Most Popular)
Great for: Clearing space, protecting aging prints, and capturing stories while you still remember them.
Why it works:
Albums often hold the bulk of a family’s photos.
Older album adhesives can damage prints, so digitizing now prevents long-term deterioration.
You’ll naturally move through life events in order, perfect for creating a future book or timeline.
If you want immediate impact and peace of mind, albums are the fastest win.
2. Start With Slides (If You Want Surprises)
Great for: Families with a lot of 1960s–1990s slides they haven’t viewed in decades.
Why it works:
Slide collections often contain the only surviving images from certain eras.
Most people haven’t seen their slides in years, so digitizing them feels like opening a time capsule.
Color on slides usually holds up beautifully, making the results incredibly rewarding.
If you’re motivated by rediscovering forgotten memories, slides offer instant gratification.
3. Start With Loose Photos (If You Want Quick Progress)
Great for: Anyone needing momentum before tackling the big stuff.
Why it works:
Loose prints are easy to sort and scan.
You can work in small batches - 10 minutes at a time.
Many people find that starting small lowers overwhelm and builds confidence.
If the idea of “starting” is the hardest part, loose prints help you ease in.
4. Start With Special Collections (If You Have a Specific Goal)
Great for:
Anniversaries
Memorials
Graduation or milestone gifts
Family history projects
Why it works:
Choosing a meaningful theme, such as “Mom’s childhood,” “our first 10 years,” or “family vacations,” gives you a clear path and a manageable scope. And themed sets often become the most cherished digital albums.
How to Choose Your Starting Point
Ask yourself:
What would feel like the biggest relief to have safely digitized?
What do I want to actually enjoy seeing again?
What’s easiest for me to tackle right now emotionally and physically?
Your answer is the right place to start.
A Gentle First Step
No matter where you begin, the most important thing is simply beginning. Even one small batch moves your project forward and builds momentum.
If you’d like help choosing a starting point, or want us to walk through your collection with you, we’re always happy to take a look and recommend the easiest path forward.
