Lasting Memories Image & Scanning Tips

Every great Lasting Memory starts with a great image/scan.

Below you’ll find examples of a scan that shows 2 different results; good and bad. This document will explain and convey how to achieve the best scanning results. Before revealing why some scans look good and others bad, we’ll need to get 4 items defined.

1. DPI – this stands for Dots Per Inch or Resolution, and refers to the amount of individual dots that make up the picture. The more DPI, the better the LM tribute will turn out. However, the more DPI, the bigger the file becomes. For our purposes, we would like a scan at 300 DPI; but no lower than 200 DPI (or BEST PHOTO setting on some scanners).

2. The image size – the original picture size has a big effect on our LM tribute. The bigger the original, the better. Optimally, a 4x5 or larger photo works best. If you can avoid a wallet sized photo please do so. We don’t want to enlarge the scan AFTER it’s been sent to us, as it will degrade the image and look very muddy.

3. The scanned picture format – We accept BMPs, JPGs, and TIFFs. Any of these will work.

4. The scan area necessary to make a good Lasting Memory – this is very important; we’d prefer a good head and shoulders shot to give us enough room to place the person into the LM template.

You will be extremely pleased at the wonderful results we can accomplish with just a few guidelines being followed.

Please call us with any questions at (210) 414-0495.


 
 
 

The first image (Fig 1) was scanned at 300 DPI and at a height of 3.5 inches. The results are great for our purposes. The second image (Fig 2) was scanned at 50 DPI and the same height. The results are very jagged, fuzzy and muddy. We only changed one setting to get this result. We’re certain that the person scanning for your Lasting Memories can learn the few steps necessary to get the best results you can.

Please strive to give us more space than we need in your scans.
This will help us prepare the image for placement. The third image (Fig3 ) shows improper crop marks, and the fourth image (fig 4) shows proper crop marks.

 
 
 
 
  • Fig 5 How we have to place an improperly cropped image

  • Fig 6 Ideal placement

 

(Good & Bad Examples)