Image Checking Services

Image Checking Services



Film, slides and photos fade after many years, some more than others. Almost all scanned images will benefit from some form of post scan image processing, which is why we include it free with all our scans.


We also offer 3 higher levels of processing to suit your budget and requirements to ensure the images are at their best, these three levels of manual checking are all performed in Photoshop by our technicians after scanning.


If you only require any extra processing on some of your images that's not a problem. For example you may noticed that some of the slides or photos have badly faded or have taken on a red or blue colour cast, these would likely benefit from our Colour Check service to correct any issues. You can simply add the quantity to process to the boxes below, but please ensure you let us know which items require the extra service.



Standard Processing


Our most popular service is included with all scans.


Every image is processed with a series of automated Photoshop functions meticulously designed to apply the correct white balance, elevate colour vibrancy and refine contrast. These proprietary functions, meticulously honed over an extended duration, undergo continuous refinement with the release of each new version of Photoshop.


The standard service provides a good quality image that is suitable for viewing on any device, sharing with friends and family and printing.


What is included?

     Infrared is used to detect and remove defects (Colour film only)
     Faded colours are boosted
     Contrast and brightness adjusted
     Images are cropped to remove any borders
     Rotated correctly


Colour Check + 10p


Incorporates all the standard features mentioned above, with an additional swift manual review of colours and contrast levels in Adobe Photoshop, enhancing the image for a more authentic and realistic appearance.


What is included?

     Faded colours are boosted
     White balance checked and adjusted
     Contrast and brightness ajustments


Add Colour checking to your order.

Please enter how many images you would like us to colour check?





Quick Repair + 50p


In addition to the Color Check service, the Quick Repair service adjusts the Shadow and Highlight areas in Photoshop, and it addresses noticeable imperfections. However, it's important to note that on black and white images, while efforts will be made to eliminate major defects, this service may not address all minor scratches or marks, allowing some to persist.


What is included?

     Minor damage or defects are repaired


Add Quick repairs to your order.

How many images would you like us to Quick Repair?





Professional + £5.00


Similar to the Quick Repair service, but provides a full 5 minutes of processing time in Photoshop.


Although 5 minutes may appear brief, significant progress can be made during this short timeframe. This service involves a more comprehensive inspection, including some minor repairs. While efforts will be made to eliminate defects in black and white images, it's important to note that we cannot guarantee the removal of all imperfections.


What is included?

     5 Minutes of Photoshop Processing
     All colours and exposure levels checked
     Remaining minor defects can be repaired
     Some major defects can be repaired


Add Professional Processing to your order.

How many images would you like us to Professionally process?



What do we scan ?


Photographs / Prints

We scan all sizes of photographs, colour or black and white, provided they are at least 2" in size. Albums and mounted photographs are scanned using our large flatbed scanning service. All scans are made at 600dpi, meaning you get a larger, clearer image that will look great on your mobile device, PC screen, or TV. They can also be reprinted at least twice the size of the original.


Slides

All sizes of mounted slides are scanned, from regular 35mm projector slides to 60mm medium-format slides. Half-frame slides, 126 slides, 110 slides, and 127 "Super slides" are also scanned. All 40mm frames are scanned at 4000 dpi, giving a large image suitable for all uses. Due to their larger original size, 60mm frames are scanned at 3200 dpi, which helps to maintain a reasonable final file size.


Film negatives / Transparencies

negatives up to 8 x 10-inch Large Format film. Colour, monochromatic (black and white) and transparency film are commonplace. The most common is the easily recognisable twin sprocket 35mm film, but we can also scan 110 / 126 instamatic, varying medium format film sizes from 6 x 4.5cm up to 6 x 12cm and 4 x 5 inch; Large format film, though we don't process any form of cine or VHS film.




Why convert your images to digital?


Having your film negatives, slides or photos scanned and converted to digital images preserves them before they deteriorate and fade away. This allows you to view and share them using today's digital equipment, such as computers, TVs, Digital photo frames and mobile devices.
You can upload them to social networking sites like Facebook, X (Twitter), Snapchat, WhatsApp, or Instagram or share them with anyone you wish using our Online access system. The images can also be used for presentational use with high-resolution projection systems and are suitable for publishing, either as a personal photograph album or for commercial use.

Having your images scanned to digital allows you to distribute copies of the images to friends and family. It can make an excellent birthday, anniversary or Christmas gift for a family member or friend.


The scanning process

All films are cleaned before scanning. We use an Infrared system for colour films to detect and remove most of the remaining dust and scratch defects, resulting in a clearer image. The infrared system is not available for black-and-white film scans. All items are scanned using high-quality scanners at 4000 dpi for 35 mm-based film/slides, 3200 dpi for medium format films, and 600 dpi for photographs. We use scanners designed solely for scanning the type of film or photograph, not a general-purpose flatbed scanner. We then automatically adjust the colours, brightness and contrast levels in Adobe Photoshop®.


What you get back

The images are scanned and processed as 16-bit TIFF files, then converted to standard JPG files for return. You are free to use the images for any purpose. Professional users can also select to have the images returned in the original TIFF format.

All images are available to view or download online for 30 days and can also be returned on either a disc, USB memory stick or SD card.

After we return your images to you we keep a copy of them on our secure servers for up to 2 years. So should you lose your images, we can replace it for you without having to rescan your images.


Who uses our services?

We work with a wide variety of customers, including private individuals, businesses, professional and amateur photographers, publishing houses, local government, the NHS, commercial printers, museums and archives, charities, and organisations.

Some recent customers include British Museum, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Haynes Manuals, Harewood House Trust, Cumbrian Railway Association, Watts & Co Ltd, University of Edinburgh, University of Central Lancashire, University of Oxford, Seymour Powell Ltd, Henry Poole & Co

No job is too big or too small for us. We regularly handle small orders of a handful of images to complete archives of many thousands of images from high-profile publishing houses, museum archives, universities, various private organisations, charities, and individuals.



Common Questions


How long does it take?

We normally try to complete each order within 10 working days, but this may be longer at peak times or if we have received a number of large orders. You can check our current estimated times here. If you are in a hurry you can select our Next day service.


Do you return the originals?

Yes, all original images are returned unless you specifically request us not to return them.


Do I need to register and place on order online?

No, you can simply send everything to us without registering.


Some of the images are faded, can you fix them?

Yes, all scans include Photoshop colour restoration, though extremely faded or colour cast images may require extra processing should you wish to restore them fully.


Do you lock the images or can I do what I want with them?

They are standard digital JPG or Tiff files which you can view and edit as you would any digital image. We place no restriction on editing, copying or sharing of the images, they are yours to use however you wish.