Album and Scrapbook Handling

Family albums and old scrapbooks require careful, case-by-case handling due to their unique materials, binding methods, and historical value. We take several  approaches to scanning, ensuring that every detail—from photographs and handwritten notes to page layouts and original design elements—is meticulously preserved. Our process varies depending on whether an album contains handwriting, sticky pages, or filmic layers, as well as whether the photos can be safely removed without damage.

When handwriting is present, our focus is on capturing both the photos and their contextual notes to maintain the full historical narrative. We scan each page as a whole before considering individual photo extractions. This ensures that the original layout, sequencing, and handwritten annotations remain intact.

If the photos are not glued or embedded in a way that risks damage, we scan them individually at high resolution for the best quality. First, we take an overhead video capturing all data for backup and for your reference, then proceed with removal. We do so using archival spatulas and heat-free methods to avoid adhesive damage.

In cases where photos are adhered permanently, we scan the entire page to retain the original arrangement, framing, and aesthetic choices of the album’s creator. Magnetic albums, popular from the 1970s-1990s, present a unique challenge due to their adhesive backing and clear film overlays, which can cause photo warping, yellowing, and difficulty in removal.

When pages contain overlapping elements or attached items, we scan them in layers—capturing the original layout first, then carefully lifting flaps or inserts (when possible) to document hidden details.