Monday, July 6, 2009

Digitizing Photos for Photo Specialties

By Pete Fontaine

Most people realize that having their photos scanned will permanently protect them from loss and damage. Not only does scanning make it easy and inexpensive to share complete copies of your images with family members it also stops natural deterioration due to aging and moisture in its tracks. But the cost and effort of having your photos scanned also makes it possible for you to get creative in new and exciting ways.

Once your ordinary photos are digitized they can be added to and organized along with your collection of digital photos. And when the work is done you'll be able to use your newly scanned images to generate wonderful photobooks and photo specialties. Several online businesses offer free software that lets you use your digital images to create an assortment of items from mugs to puzzels to t-shirts and more.

When a South Florida girls high school soccer team recently used an online photo specialty company to put the picture of an injured team leader on t-shirts for the entire team there wasn't a dry eye on the field. This affordable gesture was truly a moment to remember.

An office manager had all of the people in the office submit unique photos of themselves. Using a photo specialty company she produced personalized photo mugs for each of the individuals and hung them on a rack in the lunch room. The mugs generated endless discussion about childhood, hobbies, and 1980's attire. Not only could everyone easily identify their own mug, they learned things about their coworkers they might not have otherwise.

One family was so touched by the photo presentation that the funeral parlor had put together for their Grandfather's funeral that they decided to use the digitized images to create small photo books with some of the really special, one of kind photos. They then sent copies out to loved ones. Everyone agreed it was a really special way to remember someone.

A group of Pre-K moms put together a photo book that included all of the kids, the teachers, and the staff. They took photos of the kids playing outside, sitting for stories, and nap time. Kids posed with their teachers, friends, and favorite books and toys. As time goes by and memories fade, these kids will be able to see where their education began. Some of the children may end up being friends for life.

One cheerleading squad recently put together a photobook that included images of all of their activities and photos of the different teams that they cheered for. They made them available to anyone who was interested and they immediately became a hit with players, families, and fans. These inexpensive keepsakes did not replace the yearbook, but the cheering squad enjoyed complete editorial control. Someone even suggested using them as a fund raiser in the future.

Some photo specialty companies offer photobook creation software with exceptional features. Be sure to look for software that automatically performs the layout function. This feature will quickly display endless combinations of photos and layouts until you find one that you like. Another great feature allows you to use one of you photos as the page background. Imagine the artistic possibilities. Software that allows you to complete the entire project on your computer before sending it in is much preferred over systems that make you upload at every step.

Once you've had your photos scanned make sure to reward yourself by taking advantage of the creative possibilities you'll find available at the better online photo specialty companies. You'll find creating custom made keepsakes fun and inexpensive. Your ingenious masterpieces could last a lifetime, or longer!

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