(This article is an excerpt from How to Select a Photo Scanning Service for Highly-Valued Photographic Collections, published by FotoBridge. The entire publication can be downloaded here.)

So you have conducted the research, run the numbers, asked friends and family about just how to digitally preserve your one-of-a-kind, life-time photo collection.  If you are like many other photo enthusiasts and pros, you’ve concluded that using a (reputable) photo scanning service is the way to go.  No doubt, using the right photo scanning service can get you high quality results at a reasonable price, while saving you significant time and effort.

The good news is that in recent years, many photo scanning services have emerged - offering a variety of services, options, and pricing methods designed to meet the preservation needs of consumers and professionals alike.  Today, we believe the photo scanning companies you are most likely to find online are probably among a group of established, professional services using dedicated professionals and top-notch equipment.  Several have established reputations for safe, high-quality service that deliver consistent value to the marketplace.

In her book Organize Your Digital Life , published by National Geographic, expert Aimee Baldridge states:

“Using a scanning service to transfer your prints, slides, and negatives to a digital format is a no-brainer if you have a large collection of them—and most of us do. Reputable (photo) scanning services use high-quality equipment, including film scanners that cost thousands of dollars, and employ technicians with skills that it takes significant time and effort to acquire. Above all, a scanning service will save you the very substantial amount of time and the tedious, repetitive work that it takes to digitize a typical family or personal photo collection.”

So how should you choose the photo scanning service that's best for you? Stay tuned, we'll suggest a few easy to use criteria and guidelines to help you 1) Understand your unique requirements, 2) Suggest screening factors to consider, and 3) Provide a Total Coast Worksheet.