Do you have old slides hidden in a basement or closet that you don’t know what to do with or how to view them. So they just sit there, year after year. You would like to get them scanned, but you’re not even sure what they are of, or if they are decent shots (I am thinking heads cut off).
Well, you can do one of two things: 1) You can scan everything, or 2) You can try sorting through what you have and only scan the best selection. As a professional photo organizer I work with many clients that have to decide what to include in their scanning project, but unlike photos, we don’t usually have a way to view them (unless you have an old slide projector in your basement too)! So here are 3 options to view and sort those slides to send to an organizer to scan or for the DIYourselfer. #1 – Download a Smartphone App Many apps for many things and now Smartphones have a lightbox app and it’s quick and easy to use. There are a number of apps on the market that let you use your phone to see your old slides. A couple apps to check out: - Android (Lightbox Free or White Screen) - Apple (Light Box - Illuminator View or Lightbox Extra) Really just search Lightbox in your app store and there will be several options to choose from. #2 – Use a Loupe If you would rather use something non-techy you can get a loupe (hand lens/magnifying). This can be a great inexpensive way to view your slides. Hold it up to light and it will magnify the slide allowing you to see things better. There is also a loupe made specifically for slides and negatives. Called single slide viewers, they usually cost a little more, but often include a slot to hold the slides in place and a button to turn off/on the background light. #3 – Buy a Lightbox If you have to go through thousands of slides the above 2 options might make you go crazy. A lightbox may be a better option, allowing you to view groups of slides at one time. You can find several options on Amazon. There are Light box light pads, slide and negative viewers or sometimes they are called tracing pads. The lightbox not only allows you to view them, but it can also give you the opportunity to organize them before you scan them, just another step to getting your photo/media collection organized. The goal is to organize, preserve and share! Just think of all the memories trapped on those slides, stuck in the basement. Get ‘em out, take a look, organize and give a professional organizer a call if you need some help! Guthard Creative Designs 402.540.1040
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AuthorTamara Guthard - Photo Manager | Marketing Designer Archives
October 2021
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