Digitize photos - the best tips

There are various methods for digitizing photos. We show them to you and give tips on how to get the best possible result out of your pictures.

Digitize photos with the scanner

The easiest solution is to digitize photos with a scanner:

• Simple flatbed scanners are already available for less than 100 euros. In the next article you will find out what you should consider when buying a scanner
• It works particularly quickly if you scan several photos at the same time and separate them later on the PC with an image editing program.
• With a negative film scanner you do not digitize the photos themselves, but their negatives. You can get models like the Rollei DF-S 100 SE film scanner for around 70 euros.
• Sometimes this also works with a simple flatbed scanner. However, the scans become black and white.
• Flatbed scanners, which are equipped with a transparency unit, are an exception. We have tested some scanners with a transparency unit for you.

Digitize photos with the digital camera

It is also possible to simply photograph pictures to digitize them. For good results, the camera used should be able to take high-resolution pictures.

• The pictures to be photographed must lie flat.
• To avoid reflections, you need to pay close attention to the lighting. Always take pictures without flash.
• Use multiple light sources to prevent shadows. The light sources should not be aimed directly at the photo.
• A tripod helps against blurring and frequent readjustments. With us you will find 20 photo tripods in the test. A repro arm is also a good alternative to the classic tripod.

Post-process digitized photos

Depending on the quality of the photos and the scanner or the camera, the digitized images may still have flaws. However, you can easily repair these with Photoshop. Practical functions for this are:

• Manual color correction: In the menu »Image« -> »Corrections« you will find the items »Hue / Saturation« and »Color balance«. You should always determine the best setting by trying it out.
• Scratches and stains: With the so-called repair brush tool, you can almost make them disappear.
• Sharpen: Choose Filters -> Sharpening Filters -> Unsharp Mask
• In addition to Photoshop, you can also use the freeware GIMP for retouching. We present the most important functions for beginners in a separate practical tip.

Let professional service providers digitize your photos

In the meantime, there are also numerous providers that take the digitization of your photos off your hands. In addition to many advantages, this also has disadvantages:

• You save time and nerves: digitizing hundreds to thousands of photos yourself can be a matter of weeks.
• You do not have to buy any equipment such as scanners or tripods.
• You save manual post-processing.
• The catch: you have to hand over your photos to have them digitized. Therefore, you should always read the fine print before hiring a provider.

Digitize your photos with the Google photo scanner

The last way to digitize your photos is Google's photo scanner app.

This app is available for Android and iOS.

With it you can digitize photos quickly and easily.

In the next practical tip, we will show you how you can retouch your scanned photos online.