Turning old family photos into a memory film

How to prepare scanned family photos, phone pictures, captions, and milestones so Emoria can create a more meaningful keepsake film.

Old photos need context

A box of family pictures can be powerful and confusing at once. Add names, rough dates, places, milestones, and why the images belong together.

Start early, move through milestones, and end with the present or the most resonant moment.

Whether you use an iPhone or an Android phone such as Samsung Galaxy, these general photography tips help you make clear copies of printed photos.

Use even, indirect light and turn off the flash to reduce reflections.
Hold the phone parallel to the photo and include the whole picture, including its edges.
After each shot, zoom in on the screen and check that faces and writing are sharp before moving on.
Keep the uncropped digital original and a backup; crop or adjust only a working copy.
Keep a separate note for each filename with names and approximate dates.
Leave fragile or pasted-in photos in place. Do not pull them out or force them flat.