Question 1

What is digitalizing my photographs, slides and negatives?"

Accepted Answer

Digitalizing a photo means taking a physical item and turning it into an electronic file that can be saved on a computer drive, disc, posted on your favorite websites, shared and printed. I usually upload to USB flash drive but can upload to a CD if you prefer.

Question 2

What do you digitalize?

Accepted Answer

-Photographs, scanned loose and in albums up to 8.5" x 11.5"
-Oversized photographs and artwork photographed and     digitalized at high resolution.
-Slides 35mm, 110mm and 126mm
-Negatives
-Documents, Letters, other personal items
 
Photographs are digitalized into JPEG file format and TIFF files for an extra fee. 
Documents and letters can be scanned into PDF format or JPEG/TIFF.
 
JPEG is a file that has near lossless quality and is commonly used for uploading and sharing.
TIFF files are absolutely lossless backup files that are larger in size.

Question 3

Why should I digitilize my memorabilia?

Accepted Answer

This is a very important question. Your precious memories captured in print format will deteriorate. Over time your photographs, slides and negatives will fade and color shift.
 
They might also get damaged through mold, fire, water and sunlight.
 
Digitalizing will preserve for future generations your history in images.

Question 4

What are other benefits of digitalizing?

Accepted Answer

Decluttering is a huge benefit allowing us to more easily sort, date and label our photos.
 
Sharing your pictures on your favorite websites and allowing others to download ensures that your family history lives on for generations to come.
 
Create presentations and photo books for special occassions. 
 
Upload digitalized images to family history websites to bring names of family members to life with an actual picture of them.

Question 5

What is DPI and what difference does it make to my digitalized image?

Accepted Answer

DPI stands for dots per inch. It is a measure of the resolution of a digital scan where the higher the DPI or dot density then the better the quality of the scan. It takes longer to scan images at a higher DPI which is why there is a small extra charge when increasing the resolution.

Question 6

Can I mail my images to you?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can ship your items to me.
 
I will provide you with the shipping address once we discuss your project and you are ready to send.
 
You will just need to fill in the ShutterScan shipping form I will email to you, and include it with your items.
 
Make sure you use a shipping service that gives you a tracking number so that I can track your package along the way and I know when to expect it.

Question 7

How should I package my images if I choose to ship them?

Accepted Answer

Please use secure and strong boxes to mail your precious materials. Please do not use flimsy packaging that can easily be damaged or ripped during the mailing process. ShutterScan does not accept responsibility for damaged or lost items during the mailing process.

You can get well made boxes from both the UPS and USPS store.
 
The USPS has good guidelines for domestic shipping at www.usps.com/ship/packages.htm

UPS guidelines for good packaging state:
-Use a rigid box with flaps intact.
-Remove any labels from previous shipping usage.
-Wrap all items seperately.
-Use adequate cushioning material.
-Use strong tape designed for shipping.
-Do not use string or paper over-wrap.
-Use a single address label that has clear, complete delivery and return information.
-Place a duplicate address label inside your package.
 
Place your items into zip-loc bags for added protection and please use bubble wrap for loose items.

Question 8

Do you do all the work yourself or outsource overseas?

Accepted Answer

I do all the work myself and do not outsource. This is part of the safe and personal service that I offer and a core value of my business.

Some of the larger companies rely on outsourcing overseas to reduce their costs. This of course will mean that your project will take much longer to process and there is increased risk of loss or damage as many points of contact and handling are added.

Question 9

Will my precious memories be safe with you?

Accepted Answer

I will treat all your precious materials with the upmost care, as if these are my own items.

I will ensure that whilst in my care they will be:
-inventoried upon arrival or collection
-handled with white gloves and care
-stored safely
-stored securely
-stored seprately from other people's projects
-inventoried again when ready to return

Question 10

Why not digitalize my images myself at home?

Accepted Answer

This is a great question I get asked frequently. As a professional photographer and a lover of the captured image there is great appeal to going down the DIY route. However, there are considerations to be made before starting a digital scanning project yourself.

Scanning and digitalizing is very time consuming especially if you are new to the process and you have a large project with many images. It will take time to understand and learn the process to get satisfactorry results.
 
It also takes money as you will need to invest in the right equipment to get the job done well. Professional scanning equipment is not cheap and requires some knowledge to use to get the best results.
 
You will also need additional equipment, a good computer and image correction software especially if your images need any sort of post scanning editing and restoration. Editing and restoration in itself requires some experience and knowledge of the process plus time.

Question 11

How long will it take to scan and digitalize my images?

Accepted Answer

When I receive your materials and made a proper assessment and inventory of the project I will let you know an approximate timeline to get the work completed.
 
I aim to get your projects completed in a timely manner, this is one of the factors that I pride myself in to seprate myself from the larger scanning companies that can take weeks to get projects completed and returned.
 
Yes, I do work weekends, whatever it takes to keep my customers happy!

Question 12

Do you retain my digitalized images after the work is completed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I will keep a digital copy of your images for 12 months minimum just in case you lose your USB flash drive of the images. Also, sometimes you just need an additional copy made to give to a family member or friend.

Question 13

What is your cloud storage on your Stuart Monk Photography website?

Accepted Answer

This is a cloud storage, photo sharing, digital downloading and print ordering service that I provide for a small fee. 
 
Use this link to view a sample gallery:
 
Sample Gallery
 
Password is samples101

Question 14

How do I access my images at your Stuart Monk Photography website?.

Accepted Answer

I will email you a link to your folder along with the unique password for you to use and share. I can change the password for you at anytime.

Question 15

What are the benefits to using Stuart Monk Photography website cloud storage?

Accepted Answer

This is a really fun part of the services I offer. Through the link I provide to a private and secure password protected folder you can receive the following benefits:

-View your photos all together on their own page.
-View your photos as a slideshow.
-Order prints, framed photos and other items to display your precious photographs.
-Electronic download of files for a small fee which is great for sharing full sized files.
-Share with friends and family to enable them to view, order prints or download JPEGS.
-Enjoy seeing your photos displayed here for a minimum of 12 months.

Question 16

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

I am located just outside Raleigh in North Carolina.
 
I can meet with you and pick up your photographs and other items depending on distance and the size of the project.
 
Every project I work on is very important to me but if I have to travel an hour to pick up a couple of photos then it might be better to use the mail. No problem if you are fairly nearby.
 
However, for more substantial projects I am happy to travel an hour or so to expedite your project timeline and avoid shipping large amounts of materials and saving you those costs. I don't charge for travel, handling or pick-up.

Question 17

Should I organize my media before giving or mailing to you?

Accepted Answer

This is not necessary but this would help if you would like me to organize your digital images in seperate file folders.
 
I can work with you if this is something which would help you with your project.

Question 18

Do you scan other items such as VHS tapes or old film?

Accepted Answer

Not at the moment but this is something I will be adding to my services soon.

Question 19

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept:
-All major credit/depit cards including Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
-PayPal
-Cash
-Checks, will need to clear before work commencement if over $100 or  before finished project items are returned.

Question 20

How and when do I pay you?

Accepted Answer

You tell us the scope of the project and we will generate a free quote.
 
If you accept and your quote is over $100 we will send you an invoice for a 30% deposit.
 
Upon completion, the  project balance less your 30% deposit will be invoiced via email.
 
If your project is under $100 then no deposit is needed.
 
Payments are made online through secure online payment portals upon receiving your emailed invoice/s.

Digitizing your memories

FAQs

Frequently asked questions