How do you store your pictures? World Photo Day is the perfect reminder to dust off those boxes of old photographs and give your treasured memories a new life. If you’ve been working on decluttering your home after reading our recent blog post, your photo collection is a great place to continue. Digitizing printed photos not only helps reduce clutter, but also protects irreplaceable memories from fading, water damage, or getting lost over time. Best of all, digital copies make it easy to share family history with children, grandchildren, and loved ones, keeping those special moments safe and accessible for generations to come.
Local Resources
- Arbor Pack N Mail (734) 677-4477
- Offers photo scanning services. Call for more information.
- CameraMall (734) 997-5031
- Local company offers professional photo scanning service. Call or visit website for pricing.
- Costco (734) 213-8010
- Partners with Capture to digitize videos, and pictures. Call or visit the website for more information.
- PhotoPanda (734) 465-8229
- Scans and digitizes pictures.
- Offers free welcome kit that allows you to digitize at least 40 pictures.
- Offers free home pickup and delivery.
- Check website for discount codes.
- PROCAM (734) 977-6226
- Located in Ann Arbor!
- Digitizes film, pictures, slides, negatives, and videos.
- Also offers restoration and retouching for an additional fee.
- Scanthology (734) 926-0004
- Local company in Ann Arbor archives and digitizes photo prints, slides, negatives, audio recordings, videos, and documents.
- Free consultation.
- Services start at $150.
- Walmart
- Digitize video, pictures, slides, and negatives.
- Prices start at $15.96. Call your local store or visit their website for more information.
DIY Options
- Ann Arbor District Library (734) 327-4200
- Library cardholders can reserve the Magic Wand Portable Scanner to digitize pictures.
- Has held free preservation clinics in the past (last held in 2023). Check their upcoming events or call for more information.
- Chelsea District Library (734) 475-8732
- Cardholders can reserve a digital film scanner/converter from the Garage/Library of Things.
- Dexter District Library (734) 426-4477
- The following are available to cardholders:
- Kodak Reels 8mm/Super 8 Digital Converter (for video files)
- VHS to .MP4 Digital Converter (for video files)
- Epson FastFoto Scanner (must be used at the library)
- Plustek OpticFilm 8100 Slide and Negative Scanner (must be used at the library)
- The following are available to cardholders:
- Salem-South Lyon District Library (248) 437-6431
- Offers Epson FastFoto and Expression scanners to digitize pictures and negatives.
- Ypsilanti District Library (734) 482-4110
- The following are available to cardholders:
Want to learn how to take better pictures with your cell phone?
- Apple Store (Briarwood Mall)
- Offers a free workshop on taking better pictures on iPhone. Call (734) 780-2471 for more information.
- Chelsea Senior Center (734) 475.9242
- Offers technology support on Wednesdays from 10:00 am- noon.
- Volunteers can help answer your computer and phone questions. No cost, but donations are appreciated.
- Dexter District Library (734) 426-4477
- Offers one-on-one smart phone help.
- One session per person. Must sign up in advance.
- Saline Area Senior Center (734) 429-9274
- Offers tech lessons on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:30-4:45 pm.
- Cost: $5 per lesson. Registration required
- Senior Planet (888) 713-3495
- Offers online classes about smartphone camera basics and beyond.
- Last classes were held on August 1st. Watch the website for upcoming classes.
- Turner Senior Wellness Program (734) 998-9353
- Offers a Smartphone Confidence series that covers basic smartphone settings, including the camera.
- Fee: $70 for a month of classes (meets Thursday mornings).