So, you just found a shoebox full of old photographs and you found a few you would like to enlarge for framing or to give out to your loved ones...
Here are a few essential tips to help ensure your scans are print-ready and look their best when enlarged with Fotobox!
1. Check the Photo Condition First
Before we scan your photos, here are the things we take a look for before we proceed:
- Dust, smudges, or fingerprints can show up more clearly when enlarged.
If your photo is torn, faded, or scratched, don’t worry — we do offer restoration and editing services but this is something to keep into account as the larger the damage, the more likely we will need to take time to edit it.
2. Scan at a High Resolution
For enlargements, resolution is everything. The higher the resolution, the more detail we can preserve in the enlarged version. We will do our best to scan at the highest resolution so we can send the soft copy to your email for even more safe keeping.
We usually scan within these perimeters:
- 600 DPI (dots per inch) minimum for photos up to 5x7 inches.
- 1200 DPI if you plan to enlarge significantly.
3. We ask if you would like to color correct.
Old photos often have color fading or a color cast (like yellowing). When scanning, you’ll have the option to choose if you would like your photos to have color correction or preserve the original colors of your photograph.
Tip: If the original photo has sentimental color value (like vintage tones), let us know you want to preserve the original look.
4. File Formats Matter
When scanning through our services, you’ll often have the choice of saving your file as a JPEG or TIFF.
- JPEG is great for everyday use and smaller file sizes.
- TIFF is ideal for archiving and editing — it preserves every detail with no compression.
For enlargements, TIFF is usually best. But if you’re not sure, just ask — we’ll help you choose the right format based on your project.
6. Let Us Know Your Enlargement Size
Planning to print your scan at 8x10", 11x14", or even larger?
When uploading or submitting your photo for scanning, let us know the final print size you’re aiming for. This helps us:
- Choose the right scanning resolution
- Suggest the best file type to send for your reference
- Prepare the image with editing or restoration if needed
7. Preserve the Original — Digitally and Physically
Once your scan is complete:
We will send a back up your digital file — on your computer, email address, or USB key that you can purchase with us or provide yourself.
We will ensure your original photo is safely stored in the original envelope or folder you provided us.
We also offer long-term archival storage and digital backups for at least 6 months - 1 year.
Final Tip: Don’t Go It Alone!
We would best recommend giving us large batches of shoebox scanning as this will be much more cost effective for your project if you are simply looking to digitize similar shoebox sized photos. Depending on the amount, the cost can be $5 to $1 for scanning large batches. So please email us to inquire about quotes and turnaround time.
Ready to scan and enlarge your photo?
Email us at info@fotobox.ca for a quote on your project.