Frequently Asked Questions
General
Why should I choose Scribs Studio?
Because we believe in moments and memories and they deserve the very best. No matter if you are capturing them during a photoshoot or preserving them through digitization, we deliver the highest level of care, expertise, and quality for your digital photography and preservation needs. We have a passion for preserving history and understand that your photos and videos are more than just objects they are memories of the people, places, and moments that are important to you.
Don't let precious moments and memories pass you by without capturing or preserving them. Come discover and see what a delightful experience Scribs Studio can offer through photography, digitization, or restoration to create everlasting memories that will last lifetimes to come!
What are my business hours?
My office hours are 8:00 AM - 5 PM EST Monday - Friday, however, rest assured I will diligently be working on completing your photoshoot or order even outside those hours.
I am available Monday - Friday outside my business hours, Saturday, and Sunday for photoshoots and digitization pick-up and delivery by appointment only.
Why do you charge a retainer fee and is it refundable?
For Photography the retainer is not refundable as to fairly compensate us in committing to your selected date/time and turning down other potential photoshoots or clients in the event you have to cancel the photoshoot.
For Digitization & Restoration the retainer is refundable until pick-up of your order, afterwards the retainer becomes non-refundable, as to fairly compensate us for travel time required to pick-up and deliver your order in the event you have to cancel before completion.
For all services the retainer will be credited towards the final invoiced total.
How and when do I pay for my order?
Once your order is complete, we will email you an invoice for the remaining balance based on the exact amount of work done.
- For Photography your final invoice will consist of your remaining balance and if you added any additional options to your photoshoot.
- For Digitization & Restoration your final invoice will consist of your remaining balance based on the exact number of photos, slides, negatives, tapes, etc. that were digitized and if you added any additional options to your order.
Once your final payment is received, you will be emailed a link to your online personal gallery and we will schedule a return of your precious keepsakes.
Photography
Do you offer digital and/or physical photos?
My photo packages include digital photos, however I also offer physical photos through White House Custom Color (WHCC) which can be ordered directly from your online personal gallery.
How many photos will I receive?
The amount of photos you will receive depends on the package you selected, however you always have the option to add additional photos to your package at anytime.
What is your turnaround time?
Turnaround time will depend on the package you select, however you should receive your completed photos within 2 to 3 weeks after you select the photos you want. If you add extra photos to your package, then additional time may be required.
Will you travel for photoshoots?
Yes, I'm more than happy to travel if the client wants photos at a certain location. I will travel up to 45 miles without any additional cost, anything greater will incur a travel fee.
Do you offer "Time for Print" sessions?
Absolutely, "Time For Print" sessions are great for aspiring models/models looking to build/expand their portfolio or to explore new ideas from either the model or photographer.
If this is the type of session you are looking for, please email, call, or fill out the online form to contact us.
How long will my completed photos be available in my online personal gallery?
Your online personal gallery will remain available for 45 days for you to be able to view, share, download, or order other photo products from our online store.
Digitization
Why should I digitize my old print photos, slides, negatives, and video tapes?
- Simplicity - Digitized media can be easily shared with family and friends through email, social media, or cloud storage. They can be viewed on various devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets, making it convenient for anyone to revisit memories and enjoy them whenever and wherever they want.
- Time is Money - The average person possesses around almost 3,000 photographs with scanning and editing taking up to 7.5 minutes per image. This means you could spend over 22,500 minutes, or nearly 10 weeks completing this project. That's a significant amount of time dedicated to a single task, not to mention the cost in equipment, editing software, and storage for your digital files.
- Deterioration - Digitized media is immune to fading, tearing, discoloration, and physical damage, ensuring your photos, slides, negatives, and video tapes are preserved for lifetimes to come.
- Enhanced Organization - Digital media collections can be easily labeled and organized more efficiently making it easier to find specific memories when you need them.
- Preservation - Digitization ensures your memories are safeguarded from loss due to fire, floods, or other natural disasters, by allowing you to store them in multiple locations (i.e. external devices stored in a safe or cloud storage).
Why choose Scribs Studio over big online or mail-in companies?
When choosing a digitization service, it's important to consider more than just the price. Many big online or mail-in companies offer low rates, however their pricing is not always straightforward and charge extra for basic options.
Scribs Studio includes all these basic options as one packaged price offering you the best quality as our standard service. Being a photographer and digitization specialist allows me to combine artificial intelligence with a photographer's eye to examine every detail ensuring your digitized media will once again regain it's original luster.
Also, with Scribs Studio being a local digitization service we can offer personalized customer service. This includes pickup and delivery of your precious keepsakes to ensure physical transfer so you don't have to worry about the potential of your order getting lost in the mail.
We believe in preserving your family's moments and memories and they deserve the very best...so come discover what a delightful experience Scribs Studio can offer in creating everlasting memories that will last lifetimes to come!
Can I view my digitized media on my TV?
When your digital media is saved on a USB Flash Drive most smart TVs have a USB port on them so you can simply plug your flash drive into them to view or watch your digitized media.
What types of media can you digitize?
We provide digital conversion services for loose print photos, photo albums, slides, negatives, and VHS/VHS-C video tapes.
We also provide data extraction services for 3.5" Floppy Disk, CD's, and DVD's.
If you have other formats you would like digitized, please email, call, or fill out the online form to contact us.
How long will it take to complete my order?
Most orders will be completed within 1 to 2 weeks. However, the time may vary depending on the size of the order and the amount of different types of media.
What is your minimum order size?
Our minimum order size is $50 not including taxes.
If I'm not in the Greensboro or surrounding areas could I mail my print photos, slides, negatives ,video tapes, and other media?
Absolutely! If you are outside my normal service area for pick-up/delivery, we might be able to work something out depending on distance. Otherwise, you have the option to mail your print photos, slides, negatives, video tapes, and other media to us if you are too far away.
For coordination or to just ask questions, please email, call, or fill out the online form to contact us.
How long do you keep my digitized media after my order is completed?
You will have access to your digitized media for 45 days. Afterwards, we will retain your digitized media for an additional 45 days just incase you missed your opportunity to download all your files or lost/deleted them by accident, after which time your digitized media will be permanently deleted.
Photo Scanning
Why it makes sense to use a photo scanning service?
Most people think they can invest in a quality scanner and do the photo scanning themselves. They believe that if they gather all their photos from across shoeboxes and other places and start feeding them into a scanner, they can finish the project over a weekend.
Reality may prove to be a little different. There are significant hidden costs involved in trying to do this yourself. The average person possesses around almost 3,000 photographs with scanning and editing taking up to 7.5 minutes per image. This means you could spend over 22,500 minutes, or nearly 10 weeks completing this project. That's a significant amount of time dedicated to a single task, not to mention the cost in equipment, editing software, and storage for your digital files.
So, the DIY route may not really be the most cost-effective way to scan photos, especially when you are looking at a large collection. A better strategy might be to organize your photos to the extent that you can remove duplicates, blurry prints, those that are not focused on anything in particular and send it off to a reliable professional photo scanning service.
That's why we are excited to offer photo scanning services to benefit you in both time and cost, so why not allow us to safeguard those precious memories and put them back in your hands as a simple digital download, USB Flash Drive, or both!
What is included in your photo scanning services?
- Front & Back Scanning (Text Note Archiving)
- Color Enhancement
- Image Optimization
- Original & Enhanced Copies of Each Photo
- Custom Naming of Photos and File Folders (if provided)
- Online Personal Gallery to view, share, download, or order other photo products from our online store
- Order Pick-up/Delivery to up 45 miles
What size of prints photos can your scanning service handle?
We handle print photos from 2"x2" to 8.5"x11" and Polaroid photos.
How do I need to prepare my print photos to be scanned?
- Gather and Organize: Collect your photos and organize them by date, event, or any other system that makes sense for you. This will make the scanning process more efficient and easier for you to manage your digital files later.
- Safety First: Remove any items attached to your photos that could damage them during scanning, such as paperclips, staples, rubber bands, or adhesive tape. Gently peel off any corner tabs or protective sleeves that might be stuck to the photos.
- Dust it Off: Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe away any dust, dirt, or debris from the surface of your photos. Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaning solutions.
- Flat is Best: Ensure your photos are as flat as possible. Curled or bent photos can cause scanning issues. If necessary, place them under a heavy book for a few hours to flatten them out gently.
- Originals Only: We recommend sending original photos for the best possible scan quality. Avoid sending photocopies.
- Labeling: If you have any important information about the photos (dates, names, locations), feel free to write it on the back of the photos as our scanning service includes front & back side scanning.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure your print photos are prepped and ready for a smooth and successful scanning process, allowing you to preserve your memories for lifetimes to come.
How do you scan print photos in albums?
We remove the print photos from the album in order and then scan and replace them in the same order. If the photos can’t be removed from the album for any reason, we’ll contact you prior to scanning to discuss possible solutions.
Due to the additional handling required to safely scan print photos in a album(s), we charge a removal/reinsertion fee of $0.10 per photo.
What is DPI? Should I use 300 or 600 DPI?
DPI (Dots Per Inch) is a term used to describe the size of a printed image on a physical medium (e.g. paper). The term is widely used interchangeably with the digital equivalent terms “Samples Per Inch” (SPI) and “Pixels Per Inch”(PPI) which influence digital image quality, as a measure of size (in pixels). Typically, scanning equipment manufacturers use DPI to indicate the final pixel size of a scanned. For example, a 4"x 6" print scanned at 300 DPI will produce an image 1200×1800 pixels in size. The same print scanned at 600 DPI will produce an image 2400×3600 pixels in size.
300 DPI: (most common)
- Good for everyday use like sharing photos online, viewing on screens, or basic printing.
600 DPI:
- Higher resolution generating greater detail for larger archival file sizes, reprinting up to 2x the original size of the print photo, or when creating photo books and other photo products.
Which Resolution Is For You:
- For everyday use: Sharing photos online, viewing on screens, or basic printing (5"x7" or smaller) - 300 DPI is a good choice.
- For higher-quality: Creating larger prints (8"x10" or bigger) or wanting professional-looking results - 600 DPI is recommended.
You can downsize a 600 DPI file to 300 DPI for online sharing, but you can't increase the detail of a 300 DPI file if you need the higher resolution later. Know how you will be using your digitized photos in the future and select accordingly.
What is "Text Note Archiving"?
Text Note Archiving is an included service that scans both sides of your print photo to preserve any text notes or other marks from the reverse side for archiving and informational purposes.
How do you enhance my print photos?
Every photo over time will require some correction due to fading. Photos on display are more subject to fading, and even those hidden away in a photo album are subject to color shifts, both from time and from possible reactions to the photo album itself. Every photo will receive the following adjustments to make your digitized photos look their best.
- Color Enhancement (restoring vibrancy)
- Image Re-Orientation (straightening & leveling)
- Image Optimization (adjusting brightness and contrast while removing light scratches, dust, and red eye)
- Photo cropping as needed
How will my digitized photos be organized?
Your digitized images will be organized/numbered in the order they were scanned, unless you specifically grouped and labeled them to be numbered/named/organized in a specific manner. We will organize it to your specifications, no matter how complex it is.
How do I estimate the number of print photos I have?
General rule of thumb is a 1 inch stack = approximately 100 photos. A typical shoebox of loose 3"x5", 4"x6" or 5"x7" print photos contains approximately 1200+ photos.
What if my estimated quantity of print photos was off?
If the total amount of print photos will exceed your estimated total, we will contact you to let you know approximately how much more it will cost to complete your order before continuing.
What file format will my print photos be scanned in?
We scan all your print photos in the JPEG file format. The JPEG format is the most popular and versatile digital format in use. Nearly all digital image devices support this format. Cameras, digital photo frames, printers, photo kiosks, online personal photo gift providers, and mobile phones all support the JPEG format.
We also offer to scan your print photos in the TIFF file format. The TIFF format is a lossless uncompressed or compressed file format used by professionals and individuals who want to edit their own photos and create professional level prints. Print photos that are scanned in the TIFF file format have much larger file sizes and will have an extra $0.10 per photo fee added.
How long will my digitized photos be available in my online personal gallery?
Your online personal gallery will remain available for 45 days for you to be able to view, share, download, or order other photo products from our online store.
Slide & Negative Scanning
Why does it makes sense to use a slide & negative scanning service?
You can scan your own slides & negatives at home if you own or rent a quality film scanner. But there's a substantial cost involved here in terms of personal time and this is something to consider when you are weighing the pros and cons of DIY versus using a professional scanning service. After all, spending priceless weekend hours scanning many sets of negatives is nobody's idea of fun.
In addition, negatives require special handling because of how delicate they are. Slides & negatives can buildup tiny scratches over time and dust particles also tend to be more entrenched and visible. And so, apart from scanning time, you will have to factor in time required for editing out these blemishes.
That's why we are excited to offer slide & negative scanning services to benefit you in both time and cost, so why not allow us to safeguard those precious memories and put them back in your hands as a simple digital download, USB Flash Drive, or both!
What is included in your slide & negative scanning services?
- Digital ICE - Image Correction and Enhancement
- Custom Naming of Images and File Folders (if provided)
- Original & Enhanced Copies of Each Image
- Online Personal Gallery
- Order Pick-up/Delivery up to 45 miles
What types of slides & negatives can your scanning service handle?
Slides:
35mm, 110 and 126 on 2"x2" mounts.
Negatives:
35mm, Medium Format (6x4.5 cm - 6x17 cm), and Large Format (4'x5')
How do I need to prepare my negatives to be scanned?
- Gather and Organize: Collect your slides & negatives and organize them by date, event, or any other system that makes sense for you. This will make the scanning process more efficient and easier for you to manage your digital files later.
- Dust it Off: Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe away any dust, dirt, or debris from the surface of your slides & negatives. Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaning solutions.
- Flat is Best: Ensure your negatives are as flat as possible. Curled or bent negatives can cause scanning issues. If necessary, place them under a heavy book for a few hours to flatten them out gently.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure your slides & negatives are prepped and ready for a smooth and successful scanning process, allowing you to preserve your memories for lifetimes to come.
Do I need to remove slides from my trays or carousels?
You do not have to remove your slides that are stored in trays or carousels, however there will be an extra $0.08 per slide fee added for removal/reinsertion of your slides.
Which DPI should I use 2000, 3000 or 4000 DPI?
2000 DPI: (most common)
- Good for everyday use like sharing images online, viewing on screens, or basic printing.
3000 DPI:
- Higher resolution generating greater detail for larger archival file sizes or printing larger photos
4000 DPI
- Highest resolution possible capturing the most detail or printing larger photos starting at 16"x20"
Which Resolution Is For You:
- For everyday use: Sharing photos online, viewing on screens, or basic printing (5"x7" or smaller) - 2000 DPI is a good choice.
- For higher-quality: Creating prints (11"x14" or smaller) or wanting archival results - 3000 DPI is recommended.
- Professional quality: Creating prints (larger than 11"x14") or wanting to edit your images - 4000 DPI is recommended.
You can downsize a 4000/3000 DPI file to 2000 DPI for online sharing, but you can't increase the detail of a 2000 DPI file if you need the higher resolution later. Know how you will be using your digitized images in the future and select accordingly.
What is "Digital ICE"?
Digital ICE is a technology that allows scanners to identify and remove dust and minor scratches. Digital ICE pre-scans each frame with Infra-red (IR) light to detect surface defects in the negative before the image is captured. Once scans are completed, the software uses an IR defect map to edit the defective areas. The results can drastically improve upon the original exposure. All negatives are scanned on high end scanners that utilize this technology.
How will my digitized slides & negatives be organized?
Your digitized images will be organized/numbered in the order they were scanned, unless you specifically grouped and labeled them to be numbered/named/organized in a specific manner. We will organize it to your specifications, no matter how complex it is.
What if my estimated quantity of slides & negatives was off?
If the total amount of slides & negatives will exceed your estimated total, we will contact you to let you know approximately how much more it will cost to complete your order before continuing.
What file format will my slides & negatives be scanned in?
We scan all your slides & negatives in the JPEG file format. The JPEG format is the most popular and versatile digital format in use. Nearly all digital image devices support this format. Cameras, digital photo frames, printers, photo kiosks, online personal photo gift providers, and mobile phones all support the JPEG format.
We also offer to scan your slides & negatives in the TIFF file format. The TIFF format is a lossless uncompressed or compressed file format used by professionals and individuals who want to edit their own photos and create professional level prints. Slides & negatives that are scanned in the TIFF file format have much larger file sizes and will have an extra $0.10 per photo fee added.
How long will my digitized slides & negatives be available in my online personal gallery?
Your online personal gallery will remain available for 45 days for you to be able to view, share, download, or order other photo products from our online store.
Video Tape Transfer
Why it makes sense to use a video tape transfer service?
You can digitize your video tapes yourself, but you have to be ready to set aside a significant chunk of time for the project. Since your video tapes have to play out in real-time in order for you to record their contents, there's no way to rush the process. You also have to own or procure a VHS player that can play your old video tapes and for most people, that becomes a stumbling block.
That's why we are excited to offer video tape transfer services to benefit you in both time and cost, so why not allow us to safeguard those precious memories and put them back in your hands as a simple digital download, DVD, USB Flash Drive, or all three!
What is included in your video tape transfer servcie?
- Digitizing up to 2 hours of video per tape
- Custom Naming of Videos (if provided)
- Link To Share and Download Your Digitized Video(s)
- Order Pick-Up/Delivery up to 45 miles
Are there any kinds of video you will not digitize?
We cannot digitize video tape that has been copyrighted. As such, we consider recorded TV shows or movies as copyrighted work and will not digitize them.
What types of video tapes do you digitize?
We can digitize VHS and VHS-C tapes.
We are looking into offering future services for additional formats if we have enough interest. If you have other formats you would like digitized, please email, call, or fill out the online form to contact us.
What file format do you digitize video tapes to?
We digitize video tapes to the H.264 MP4 file format, which is the most universal file type for viewing videos.
How much video can be captured on a single DVD?
Each DVD disc can hold up to 2 hours of high quality video.
Can you combine multiple video tapes onto one DVD?
We can digitize each video tape to its own DVD or combine multiple video tapes onto a single DVD (depending on the amount of hours on each video tape), creating a custom chapter for each video.
How long will my digitized videos be available to download?
The link to your digitized videos will remain available for 45 days for you to be able to share and download.
Data Extraction
Why it makes sense to use a data extraction service?
As computers continue to evolve and optimize for a cloud-based society, we are seeing less compatibility with 3.5" Floppy Disks, CDs, and DVDs which means you lose more and more access to those precious memories. Most people don't own an external CD/DVD reader let alone an external 3.5" Floppy Disk reader and we understand how costly it could be to find and set up special equipment just to be able to read your old data storage devices once again.
That's why we are excited to offer data extraction services to benefit you in both time and cost, so why not allow us to safeguard those precious memories and put them back in your hands as a simple digital download, USB Flash Drive, or both!
How long will my extracted data be available in my online personal gallery?
Your online personal gallery will remain available for 45 days for you to be able to view, share, download, or order other photo products from our online store.
Restoration
What types of photo restoration and retouching services do you offer?
Our photo restoration services can repair rips and tears, recreate missing pieces, restore faded colors, re-balance exposure, and repair damage from water, fire, light, or mold. We can retouch photos upon request for things like teeth whitening or editing out skin blemishes. We can also colorize Black & White photos!
How long will it take to restore or retouch my photo(s)?
Most photos will be completed within 3 - 5 business days, however time may vary depending on how much work will have to be done to the photo and how many photos you submitted for photo restoration.
How do you determine the cost for photo restoration?
The cost is based on how much the photo is damaged and the amount of work and time required for us to restore or touchup the photo.
Will I be charged if you can't restore my photo(s)?
No, if we cannot restore your photo, you will not be charged.
How long will my restored photo(s) be available in my online personal gallery?
Your online personal gallery will remain available for 45 days for you to be able to view, share, download, or order other photo products from our online store.
Have a question you don't see an answer for or have additional questions?
Please email, call or fill out the online form to contact us.