Jewish family memory
How to scan photographs without losing context
A useful scan captures the image and the information attached to it. Preserve a master copy and inspect the result before putting away the original.
By Pinkas · Updated September 28, 2026
A practical first step
Capture front and back without cropping handwriting or borders. Pair the two sides by item identifier, verify readability at full size, and keep a second copy in a separate location.
An example to follow
Record a later crop or color correction as an edited copy rather than replacing the master. A relative may later need a detail outside your crop.
Keep the record useful for the next relative
Save the original item or recording, the source of each claim, and the date you added the note. Label estimates and disputed details. Decide who should have access before inviting other people to help.