Scanning and digitizing old photos for the funeral
The most beautiful memories are often in old photo albums. But how do you get those paper photos into your digital presentation? In this article, we explain the options.
Why old photos are so valuable
Old photos show periods that weren't captured with smartphones: childhood, wedding day, first children. They give the presentation depth and tell the complete life story.
Take the time to browse through photo albums. Also ask older family members — they often have photos you've never seen.
Option 1: Scanning with a scanner
The best quality is achieved with a flatbed scanner.
Settings:
- Resolution: at least 300 DPI (for printing), 150 DPI is sufficient for screen
- Format: JPEG or PNG
- Color mode: color (even for black and white photos — this preserves the tone)
Tips:
- Lay the photo flat, without folds
- Close the lid to block ambient light
- Scan multiple small photos at once and crop them later
No scanner at home?
- Many libraries have free scanners
- Copy shops scan for €0.20-0.50 per photo
- Ask family or friends
Option 2: Photographing with your smartphone
No scanner? Your smartphone can also give good results.
How to do it:
- Place the photo on a flat, light surface
- Ensure indirect daylight (no direct sun or lamps)
- Hold the phone straight above the photo (not at an angle)
- Tap the screen to focus
- Take the photo
Avoid:
- Reflections and shadows
- Blurry photos from movement
- Fingers in frame
Use a scanner app like Google PhotoScan, Microsoft Lens or Adobe Scan. These apps automatically correct perspective and remove reflections.
Option 3: Professional scanning service
For large quantities or fragile photos, you can hire a scanning service.
Costs: €0.15-0.50 per photo, depending on quantity and quality.
Advantages:
- High quality
- Time-saving for many photos
- Suitable for fragile or old photos
Disadvantages:
- Costs add up
- You need to send or bring photos
- Lead time of several days
Cleaning up and restoring photos
Old photos often have:
- Discoloration (yellow, brown)
- Stains or scratches
- Folds or tears
Simple corrections:
- Most photo apps have automatic "enhance" function
- Adjust brightness and contrast
- Crop damaged edges
Advanced restoration: For seriously damaged photos, there are AI tools that can repair scratches and tears. Google Photos and some apps offer this.
How many old photos to use?
A good balance is:
- 30-40% old photos (childhood, young years, milestones)
- 60-70% more recent photos (the person as people knew them)
This gives a complete picture without becoming overly nostalgic.
Upload directly to The Last Farewell
Once your photos are digitized:
- Log in to your project
- Click "Add photos"
- Select the scanned files
- The photos are automatically processed
All formats work: JPEG, PNG, even HEIC from your iPhone.
Frequently asked questions
How large should the files be?
For a presentation on screen, 1-2 MB per photo is more than enough. Larger files make uploading slower without visible benefit.
Can I scan photos from a framed picture?
Yes, but preferably remove the photo from the frame. Glass often causes reflections. If that's not possible, photograph at an angle to avoid reflection.
Can the photos stay in the album?
When photographing with your phone: yes. When scanning: usually you need to remove them from the album for the best quality.
What do I do with slides or negatives?
For this you need a special slide scanner, or you can have them professionally scanned. Some photo shops offer this service.
How long does it take to scan 50 photos?
With a flatbed scanner: about 1-2 hours (including organizing). With a smartphone app: 30-60 minutes.
Create a presentation yourself?
Create a beautiful photo presentation together with family.
Start when you're ready