Money Saving Resources Preserving Family Photos: FINALLY get those family photos scanned and saved!
So what is it about taking on a HUGE PROJECT like scanning family photos and slides, that makes us constantly procrastinate and put it off? Here are few reasons that I’ve come up with:
- The project is so overwhelming that you don’t know where to start. You are not alone! Remember that the best way to “eat an elephant” is “one bite at a time.” Start small, start with what you can do in one hour.
- You’re not sure you are “doing it right.” Again, with all the new technology available, how do you know if you are using the right tools? And should you do it yourself or send it out for scanning? And if you take the DIY approach, which is the best method, the best file format for saving?
- You’re afraid of what you’ll find. This is a tough one that we all face. Yes, there will be tears and memories involved. But that’s why you want these images available for years to come, right? You can manage your photo scanning project in such a way that you stay “on track” and not get distracted by BSOs (“bright and shiny objects”).
DIY Photo Scanning Resources
Here are resources recommended by Genealogy Bargains and the latest coupons and money-saving deals for each, if there is a sale available.
Flip-Pal mobile scanner
I LOVE my Flip-Pal mobile scanner – it is in my backpack or wheelie bag with my laptop wherever I go. I’ve used it to scan family photos when visiting relatives, I’ve even scanned photos in frames on the wall! And I’ve scanned military medals, jewelry and more.
Consider purchasing your Flip-Pal mobile scanner on Amazon instead of directly from Flip-Pal. Why? First, if you have an Amazon Prime membership, you’ll qualify for free shipping. Second, Amazon tends to be more liberal with returns and better with shipping.
Click HERE for the latest Flip-Pal offer from Amazon.
Jumbl
Jumbl All-In-1 Film, Negative & Slide Scanner at Amazon. This scanner is AMAZING! I have used it to scan thousands of slides and negatives that were just sitting in boxes around the house. Now I have all my family memories digitized and saved for posterity. Priced at just $89.99 USD and get FREE 2-DAY Shipping via Amazon Prime! Click HERE to shop – via Amazon
Flatbed Scanners
I have to say that despite all the portable scanners and apps, a good, reliable flatbed scanner is a MUST for any genealogist or family historian. Here are the latest deals via Amazon:
Vendor Photo Scanning Resources
Many of us just don’t have the time to do photo scanning ourselves OR we don’t feel comfortable with the technology available. And sometimes it is just more cost effective to “outsource” your photo scanning project. Here are some recommended third-party vendors who handle digitization of family photos, slides, video tapes, home movies and more!
Legacybox
Save up to 61% on Legacybox “Forever Made Simple” – now this is a deal! You’ve seen the ads on Facebook advertising the Legacy Box Starter kit for $75 and they’ll scan everything you can fit in the box they send you. “Just fill Legacybox with your tapes, film, pictures, and audio. Send it in and we’ll send it back with your memories preserved on dvds and optional thumb drive.” Well, you can get that same deal for just $29 via Groupon. Click HERE to get started – via Groupon.
ScanMyPhotos
Save 89% on Photo Scanning via ScanMyPhotos! Scan up to 1,000 4×6″ photos for just $19! Regularly $179.95, you can get photos scanned at 300 dpi and sent back to you in various formats including DVD, USB flash drive and more! Click HERE to save – via Groupon
Larsen Digital
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the services of Larsen Digital, based in Salt Lake City, Utah as do thousands of other genealogists. Listen, they do digitization work for NASA and if it is good enough for them, well . . just click HERE to read my recent review of my own digitization project done by Larsen Digital.
Save up to 15% on Larsen Digital services: Here are the Genealogy Bargains EXCLUSIVE deals & discounts with Larsen Digital! Right now, take up to an additional 15% off conversion services. Use promo code Thomas10 for 10% off on slide and photo services and promo code Thomas15 for 15% off video and film services. Click HERE for more information.
Don’t Forget to Back Up Digital Photos!
So you’ve done all this great work in preserving your family photos, why wouldn’t you want to ensure that these digital images are available for future generations? Here are some great data backup resources!
Use the 3-2-1 Backup Method
These days just one backup is NOT ENOUGH! Click here to read Why I Use the 3-2-1 Backup Plan for Genealogy Data or view the video below!
iDrive
90% off iDrive automatic online backup: normally $69.50 per year, you get the first year of 2TB cloud storage for just $6.95! Once you’ve scanned all those family photos, you need to have a data backup right? This is a “set it and forget it” program like Carbonite but much better: you can backup your mobile devices and even Facebook images! Click HERE to sign up now and click HERE for more info – via iDrive.
Picture Keeper
Picture Keeper is an amazing device that looks like a simple USB flash drive but it is so much more. Yes, you could buy a cheap flash drive and take the DIY approach but Picture Keeper has an automated system of making sure ALL of your photos are backed up!
Save 59% on Picture Keeper! Right now you can get the 8GB Picture Keeper with 4,000-Photo Capacity, regularly $59.99, for just $24.99! Click HERE to shop – via Groupon
And what about all those photos on your smart phone? Right now Groupon has Picture Keeper Connect – iPhone & Android Storage Device on sale for 53% off the normal price! Regularly $119.99 for the 16GB version, you pay just $59.99! Click HERE to shop – via Groupon
External Hard Drives
Amazon has the BEST SELECTION of external hard drives both portable and desktop. The prices have dropped DRASTICALLY in the past year – I just purchased a 4TB portable USB 3.0 drive for only $99 USD! Here are the latest deals from Amazon:
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@2024, copyright Thomas MacEntee, all rights reserved.
