Photographing Old Photographs

[port perran]

I have a number of old B&W railway photos taken when I was 10-14 (ish) with and old Box Brownie.
Most of the photos aren't great but they are interesting.
To transfer them to my computer/ipad etc is it better to scan them in (I only have a cheap 3 in 1 scanner/printer) or re photograph them digitally ?
Any one any ideas ?

[Lazy-Ferret]

Generally speaking, Scanning is much better, as you do not need to worry about lighting, or glare/reflections, and the scanner lid makes sure it is as flat as it can be.

[Mito]

+1 to above. Scan them at the highest resolution the scanner is capable of. Tidy them up in a photo editing program. If you have the negatives still, use them as the quality of the scan will be better.

[port perran]

+1 to above. Scan them at the highest resolution the scanner is capable of. Tidy them up in a photo editing program. If you have the negatives still, use them as the quality of the scan will be better.

Thanks for the advice Brian and LF. No negatives Im afraid (long, long gone).

[macwales]

Hi

I have always had much more success scanning old photos. I have even managed to get rid of creases and water stains using Photoshop Elements after scanning.

Cheers

Mac

[GroupC]

Scan them, every time. If they need tidying up and retouching Photoshop is best. If you don't have that and there aren't too many of them I'll offer - as a special Christmas treat just for you (wooo!) - to do them for you (the photoshop not the scan part as I don't have a scanner). Send me a PM if required!

Merry Christmas one and all.

[port perran]

Scan them, every time. If they need tidying up and retouching Photoshop is best. If you don't have that and there aren't too many of them I'll offer - as a special Christmas treat just for you (wooo!) - to do them for you (the photoshop not the scan part as I don't have a scanner). Send me a PM if required!

Merry Christmas one and all.

I dont have photoshop so thats a very kind offer.
I'll get my albums out over Christmas and try scanning 4 or 5 of the best photos then take it from there.
I doubt I'll scan anything for a few days though.
I'll be in touch by PM later.
Thanks again
Martin