I have a lot of scanned images already in my collection and more to add. This short video shows how to change the date of those photos from the date they were scanned to the real date the photo was taken.
For those of you that have asked for tips on scanning – here's more info:
Scanning is an amazing tool we have as digital scrapbookers to preserve old photos, memorabilia and even our children's artwork. Many of the newer scanners have a lot of fancy options just like you have mentioned. A few things to remember when scanning:
- DPI: Dots per inch. This is the quality of the scan. Generally you will want to make sure you are scanning at 300 dpi. Some people scan in at higher dpi (i.e. 600) thinking it will make it easier to enlarge – there are pros and cons to this. You can only get the quality of what you scan in – so generally you do not obtain any more detail by scanning in a print at a larger dpi. If you can scan your negatives over the prints, do so as the film will always give you more detail. You can find more helpful info on DPI here.
- Multi-Image Scan: Many newer flatbed scanners will allow you to place multiple items on the scanner and then scan each item separately in one scan. This saves a lot of time if you are scanning several items or images.
- Manual Scan: Sometimes you can adjust the quality of your scan for each image or item by going into manual mode instead of full auto mode – again you will want to check the settings for your scanner to learn how to get the most out of it. You can find links to many of the major scanner manufacturers (along with helpful tips) here.
- Scan Lid Open or Closed: You may run into a situation where it is actually better to keep the lid of your scanner open when scanning something as the white background of the lid sometimes forces the other side to show through.
As you scan your images, treat them as you would your photos – meaning that you should be organizing them in your photo organization software with advanced keywording.
When it comes to your originals and whether or not you save them, it is up to you. In my own workflow, unless the item is very important I often will scan and toss. If I am in doubt, I keep things scanned in a plastic bin for a few years and then go through and see if it is still important enough to keep.
Lastly, back up. This should be happening automatically but if it isn't, don't throw your originals away! You want to make sure you have a fail safe backup solution in place not just for your photos, but also for your scanned treasures. There would be nothing worse than scanning something in only to lose it later and not have it to re-scan. You can avoid this by simply making sure you have a backup plan.
Jan B.
I am not seeing the the capture time choice in the right panel when I try to change the date on my scanned pictures. Could it be because I have only one picture selected. Although when I chose more than one I still don’t see it. I only know the approx. year of the pictures of husband as a child.
Kayla Lamoreaux
Do you see the Metadata Panel on the right side? Press “G” to go to Library mode and scroll down and click on the arrow next to Metadata scroll down and you should be able to see it. HTH!