FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Preserving your family’s memories should feel simple, safe, and meaningful. My photo scanning service is designed to help you protect the moments you never want to lose. Every photo is handled with care, digitized in high resolution, and returned to you exactly as it was received.
Whether you bring a small stack or a full box of family history, each image is treated with the same level of respect and attention it deserves.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
general
BOOKING, PRICING, AND PAYMENT
What services do you offer right now?
I currently offer photo scanning, physical photo organizing, and archival safe storage solutions. Digital photo organizing, video conversion, and album and legacy projects are planned for the future.
Where are you located?
I am based on Bainbridge Island in Washington State and serve the surrounding Kitsap County area, with mail in projects available from anywhere in the United States.
How do I know which service I need?
If you are not sure where to begin, that is completely normal. Many clients start with either photo organizing or photo scanning, then add archival preservation once they see the benefit of preservation. You are always welcome to contact me and share a little about your project. I will help you choose the best next step for your situation.
Do you work with both small and large projects?
Yes. You can start with a single box, one decade, or a small collection, or we can plan for a larger family archive. It is often easier to begin with a manageable portion and build from there.
How do I get an estimate for my project?
Once you complete the project form, I will review the details and provide an estimate before we begin. For photo organizing, I share an estimated number of hours based on the size and condition of your collection. For photo scanning, pricing is listed per photo or per item, and I can offer a rough range based on how many photos or discs you have.
Do you require a deposit to get started?
At this time there is no deposit required to get started for most projects. For very large or multi stage projects, we may agree on a payment schedule in your estimate so everything feels clear from the beginning.
How do I pay?
Payment is typically due when the project is complete and ready for delivery. For bigger projects, installments may be set throughout the course of the project. I accept common electronic payments and will include those details with your invoice.
Can you work in stages if my budget is limited?
Yes. Many families choose to start with one box, one album, or a specific set of years and then return later for additional work. We can always create a plan that fits your pace and budget.
photo scanning
Do I need to organize my photos first?
No. Even though it is recommended that photos are organized first, either by you or by me, you are welcome to bring everything exactly as it is. Your digital scans will simply reflect how your photos were received.
If you would like help organizing before scanning, I offer photo organizing as a separate service which you can explore on the Photo Organizing page.
How many photos are in a one inch stack?
As a simple reference, a one inch stack of prints typically contains about one hundred photos. This can help you get a general idea of your project size before we begin.
What if my photos are in albums?
Many older photo albums were not made with archival safe materials, and photos can become stuck, brittle, or fragile over time. If your photos need to be removed from albums before scanning, I can gently and safely remove them using industry standard methods. Album removal is billed at my photo organizing hourly rate.
Before beginning, I will always let you know if an album requires extra time or special care, and we can decide together how to move forward.
How will my digital files be delivered?
All digital files are saved onto a new USB drive, which is included with every scanning project. If your project is especially large and requires an external drive, I will let you know and we will choose the best option together.
Do I get my original photos back?
Always. Every item is handled with care and returned to you. If you choose archival preservation, your photos can be returned in archival safe boxes rather than the containers they arrived in.
What resolution do you scan at?
Photos are scanned at a high resolution that is appropriate for both viewing and reprinting. If you have a specific project in mind, such as a very large print or professional design work, you can mention that in your project form so I can confirm the best settings.
Can you scan slides and negatives?
Yes. I offer slide and negative digitizing at per slide or per frame pricing. These items require more time and careful handling, which is reflected in the pricing.
Can you scan documents, letters, and other paper items?
Yes. Meaningful documents such as letters, certificates, greeting cards, school records, and family history papers can be scanned as part of your project. These are often included with heirloom and specialty items.
How long will my scanning project take?
Most scanning projects are completed within three to four weeks, depending on the size and condition of your collection. Rush service may be available on request for an additional fee.
photo organizing
What is included with photo organizing?
Photo organizing includes careful sorting and grouping of your printed photos, removing obvious duplicates with your approval, and creating a simple structure that reflects your family’s story. This prepares your collection for long-term preservation and, if you choose, future scanning.
Why does organizing matter if I plan to scan later?
Organizing creates clarity and meaning. When photos are grouped intentionally, your final digital archive becomes easier to navigate and more intuitive to understand. It also helps future generations immediately know who is in the photos, when the moments happened, and why they mattered.
Do I need to know how I want my photos organized?
No. I can help you choose a simple structure that works well for your family and goals.
Will you remove duplicates?
Yes. I set aside duplicates and misprints for your review so you can decide what to keep.
Can you organize albums?
Yes. Many older albums are not archival safe, so I often recommend gently removing photos and reorganizing them using archival-safe methods. If you prefer to keep photos in albums, we can discuss safe options.
Will I get updates throughout the project?
Yes. If questions arise, I will reach out and we can keep in contact for progress.
archival preservation
What is archival preservation?
Archival preservation focuses on protecting your original prints, documents, and heirlooms so they last for generations. This may include moving them out of acidic albums and into archival safe boxes.
What products do you use?
I use high-quality, acid-free archival boxes, protective dividers, and clear labeling. The goal is to protect your photos while keeping everything simple to understand and access.
Is archival storage required?
No. It is optional but highly recommended if you want your original prints to remain safe long-term.
Can you keep items in their original boxes or albums?
If they are archival safe and in good condition, yes. If not, we will talk through the best option for your family
shipping, pickup & service area
Do you offer pickup and drop off?
Yes. Local pickup and drop off are available on Bainbridge Island at no additional cost. Most clients meet in a convenient public location. Pickup and drop off can also be arranged for Poulsbo, Kingston, and Silverdale with a small travel fee.
Can I mail my photos to you?
Yes. Mail-in projects are welcome from anywhere in the United States.
I’m nervous to ship my memories. What should I do?
This is completely normal. If shipping makes you nervous, you are welcome to send your project in smaller batches instead of one large box. You never have to mail everything at once.
Once your items arrive, I will confirm their safe delivery so you have peace of mind right away.
How should I pack and ship my photos?
After you reach out and share a few details about your project, I will send simple packing instructions and the correct mailing address. You may also choose a shipping method with tracking or insurance for added reassurance.
future services
Do you offer digital photo organizing?
Digital photo organizing is planned as a future service. As technology evolves, I am continually expanding my knowledge so I can offer thoughtful, up to date solutions for both printed and digital collections. If you would like to be notified when digital organizing becomes available, let me know!
Do you convert video tapes or film?
Video conversion will be added very soon. I am currently completing additional training and research to ensure this service meets the same standards of care, quality, and preservation that guide every part of The Legacy Studio.
Are you trained or certified in photo organizing and preservation?
Yes! I am certified through The Photo Managers, an international professional organization dedicated to best practices in photo management, organizing, digitizing, and long term preservation. Ongoing education is a core part of this work, and I continuously stay current with new tools, techniques, and industry standards so I can serve your family with confidence and care.
still have questions?
If something wasn’t covered here, I’m always happy to answer. You can reach out through the Connect page and share a little about your project, and together we’ll choose the best next step for your family’s memories.
