Converting Scrapbooks into Digital Photo Books-Part 2

Here is the first blog post I wrote about this topic. Since then I have converted hundreds of Creative Memories Scrapbooks into digital photo books and have answered many questions, prompting me to share with you the three most popular questions and the answers:

I want to scan my own scrapbooks, what scanner do I purchase?

After much research and testing my preferred scanner can be found at EZ Photo Scan. If you decide to purchase a scanner  you will need both a PS50 (or PS80) and the A3 flatbed. The A3 flatbed is 12 x 18 inches and only works as an add-on item (hence the purchase of the PS50 or PS80). This is a financial investment so before you purchase make sure you have the time to dedicate to this very time consuming but rewarding process!

I have a variety of sizes of scrapbooks but want all one size for the digital collection, how do I do that?

As mentioned in the previous post I use Photoshop as my software of choice, however, it has quite a learning curve so I suggest Adobe Photoshop Elements if you want to convert your own scrapbooks into digital photo books.

In order to create uniform books you need to create a template of the size you want for your printed book (using Photoshop) go to Image>Canvas Size. Be sure to make the canvas .25 bigger then the size of the book. I suggest a 10 x 10 book as that size is easy to handle and will display nicely on most bookshelves. For a 10 x 10 printed book you will want to create a 10.25 x 10.25 canvas in your software and then create guides (View>New Guide) to show you the 9.75 x 9.75 surface that you need to stay in. The guides are to insure that nothing gets cut off when the book is printed.

If you are scanning a 12 x 12 page you will have to reduce the image when importing into your software and if you are converting a 8 1/2  x 11 book know that you will have more white space in your printed book since you are not scanning a square.

What digital photo book company do you recommend?

My favorite “Do it Yourself” digital photo book company is Mixbook. They have an easy to use software interface, lots of great coupons and very good customer service. When I convert scrapbooks for my VIP clients I use a professional photographer’s lab that is available only via application, so using Mixbook is more affordable and available for anyone to use.

Remember to visit my photo resources page for additional information and inspiration for organizing your photos.

As always, please feel free to ask any questions in the comments below.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”