6 min read
How to Scan Old Family Photos
A practical guide to digitizing albums, shoe boxes, and faded prints without damaging them — and without losing the handwritten notes on the back.
Start with a simple plan
You do not need expensive equipment on day one. A clean flatbed scanner or a careful phone scan can preserve a box of prints before another move, flood, or forgotten closet does the deciding for you.
Work in small batches. Label folders by decade or side of the family as you go.
Protect the originals
Wash and dry your hands. Keep drinks away. Support brittle photos from underneath. Never force a curled print flat under glass if it might crack — scan what you can safely, then ask a local photo shop for help with fragile pieces.
- Capture the back of the photo when there are names, dates, or notes.
- Use even light and avoid harsh glare from overhead lamps.
- Save a full-size file before you crop or filter anything.
Phone scanning tips
Use a scanning app or your camera in a well-lit room over a dark, non-reflective surface. Hold the phone parallel to the print. Take one clear shot, then move on — perfection can wait for a second pass.
What to do after you scan
Back up the files somewhere other than a single phone. Share a private album link with family so others can add names and stories. Those captions often matter as much as the image itself.
Ready to preserve these memories?
Start your memorial with EveryLifeTributeTM — gather photos, stories, and family voices in one place.