I finally opened the box to my scanner and got it all set up. As I was opening the box and pulling everything out, I saw that the scanner came with Adobe Photoshop. The exact one I was going to buy. Sweet!
I had decided that I wanted to buy Photoshop and learn how to use the organizing functions before I start scanning a million negatives. I figured it would be smarter to use the organizing functions as I scan.
I downloaded the software for the scanner. It was very easy to get that downloaded and up and running. I plugged in the scanner and tested a few pictures and negatives to make sure I know the basics. I was surprised at how easy it was! It isn’t fast by any means. I would say it takes about 15-25 seconds for each picture, and a minute-two minutes for a strip of 4 negatives.
My initial thought was, “Why didn’t I pay a professional to do this?” Well, it is pretty expensive to have someone scan all your negatives for you (1,000+ negatives.) I also have time to work on it. So, I put in a T.V. series, and started scanning a few rolls (24 pictures per roll.)
Here are a few things I need to figure out because I have encountered some issues/problems.
1. The majority of the pictures I have were developed at Target. The way they packaged the negatives is a little troublesome for my scanner. I have to slide the negatives into this tray thing then scan. With the Target processing, they put a little strip of paper attached to the negative to make it easier for reordering. I haven’t figured out if I can just cut that off, or what. So, for those rolls last night, I just scanned each picture.
2. Is scanning the negative really that much better quality (if any) than scanning the actual picture? I tested this a few different times last night, and I couldn’t tell a difference.
3. Do I go through all the pictures on my computer (electronic ones from recent years) and tag and organize them with Photoshop before I scan a bunch of new pictures? I am thinking that I will tag all my current pictures, and then scan more.
4. Do I start scanning from way back when (like before I was born) or do I start with my most recent that aren’t in digital form and work my way backwards?
Anyway. I’ve opened the box and made some progress. After starting, I am starting to realize that this is going to be a REALLY long project. I was hoping to try and have a book made by Christmas. Ha-ha. that’s a joke! My goal is to work on it a few hours a week. Until next time…
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
sounds like you're making great progress. I am at the step of "thinking about buying a scanner". I'm glad you're paving the road for me. My advice would be to start with your most recent pics then move backwards. As far as organizing what you already have - leave it how it is then go back after. Who knows if my advice is good or not??!!
Post a Comment