Print Scans

We digitize photographic prints, artwork, and other flat originals, creating digital image files that can be preserved, shared, or used to make new prints.

Not every original calls for the same scanning process. A shoebox full of family photographs requires a different approach than an original watercolor or a photograph being prepared for reproduction. At Color Services, we offer several ways to scan your originals, from efficient scanning of large photo collections to individually adjusted scans of photographs and artwork.

Shoebox Scans

Shoebox Scans turn collections of physical photographic prints into digital JPEG files. Designed for larger quantities of photographs, this service offers an economical way to digitize family archives and other collections without scanning each photograph individually. Designed for efficient, high-volume scanning, this service accommodates loose photographic prints from wallet size up to 8.5 × 11 inches. Each photograph is scanned at 600 ppi at its original size, with files saved as JPEGs in the sRGB color space.

Photographs are rotated as needed, but individual color and density corrections, dust removal, scratch repair, and restoration are not included. For originals requiring more individual attention, we recommend our Flatbed Scanning services.

Preparing your photographs

• Remove photographs from albums. Prints must be loose and suitable for automated feeding.
• Arrange your photographs from smallest to largest, face up. The scanner feeds from the bottom of each stack.
• Use labeled index cards to separate photographs into groups if you'd like your files organized into individual folders. Up to five dividers are included; additional dividers are $5 each.
• Polaroids, mounted photographs, curled or damaged prints, taped or glued photographs, newspaper clippings, and fragile or unusually thin paper originals cannot be processed through this scanner.

File delivery

Completed files can be delivered through Dropbox, WeTransfer, or Smash, or provided on a USB flash drive, data DVD, or your own compatible USB drive or external hard drive. Additional media charges may apply.

Turnaround varies depending on the quantity of photographs and current production volume. We'll discuss the expected completion time when you bring in your order.

Have slides or negatives to digitize? Visit our Film Scans page for information about scanning film originals, including Shoebox Scans for slides and negatives.

Interested in turning your photographs into a slideshow DVD for television viewing? Learn more about our Video Transfers service.

Flatbed Scans

Flatbed Scanning converts individual photographic prints, artwork, and other suitable originals into digital image files.

Using our Epson Expression 12000XL scanner, we can accommodate originals up to 12 × 17 inches. Unlike automated Shoebox Scanning, each original is handled and scanned individually.

We offer Standard and Custom Flatbed Scanning, depending on the type of original and the amount of image adjustment required.

Standard Flatbed Scans

Standard Flatbed Scans are designed for individual photographic prints and other suitable flat originals that don't require extensive image correction. Each original is scanned at 600 ppi at its original size, with basic tonal and color adjustments. Detailed color correction, cropping, dust spotting, retouching, and restoration are not included.

Original artwork, including paintings, drawings, and watercolors, requires Custom Flatbed Scanning.

Custom Flatbed Scans

Custom Flatbed Scans provide digital reproductions of photographic prints, original artwork (including paintings, watercolors, drawings, and line art), and suitable bound materials such as albums. Each scan receives technician-performed color and tonal adjustments, cropping, and light cleanup, with the goal of achieving a closer visual match to the original. Custom Flatbed Scanning is available for originals up to 12 × 17 inches, producing digital images up to approximately 150 MB.

Custom Flatbed Film Scans

Custom Flatbed Film Scans convert photographic negatives, slides, and transparencies into digital image files. Each scan includes technician adjustments to color and density, along with cropping and light cleanup. This service is intended for film originals that benefit from individual handling and adjustment. The maximum uncompressed image size is approximately 150 MB.

File specifications and additional retouching

All Flatbed Scans include both JPEG and TIFF files with an embedded Adobe RGB (1998) color profile. For Custom Flatbed Scans and Custom Flatbed Film Scans, the approximately 150 MB limit refers to the uncompressed image data, not necessarily the size of the saved TIFF or JPEG file.

Additional color matching, retouching, or extensive adjustments beyond the included service are available through our Digital Retouching service at $120/hour. We will discuss additional work and charges before proceeding.

Digital Capture from Flat Art

Digital Capture is a high-resolution photographic reproduction service for paintings, drawings, and other flat artwork that is too large for our flatbed scanner. We use a professional high-resolution camera system to create digital image files for reproduction and archival use.

Pricing is based on the longest dimension of the original artwork: up to 36 inches, $75; over 36 through 60 inches, $120; and over 60 inches, quoted individually. Artwork with wrinkles, curls, or creases that requires capture under glass incurs an additional $45 fee.

Framed artwork may need to be removed from its frame before capture. If Color Services removes artwork from its frame, an additional $45 fee applies. We do not offer reframing services.

Each Digital Capture includes a high-resolution 16-bit TIFF file and an 8-bit JPEG. Please allow approximately two weeks for completion. Additional color matching or retouching is available at $120/hour.