Black & White reprints from home computer

[fkj2]

If I wanted to make reprints by scanning old black/white photos into the computer, how should I save them, what program should I try to use to edit them (ie., photoshop?), and what would be the best paper to print them on? I'm thinking of placing them in a local consignment shop. Any other suggestions welcome!

 

[pattyT]

usually a scanner comes with programs to do it
I have Photostudio SE, Printmaster, and Print Shop and the all work too.
I would save it as a JPEG file in case you ever want to download or e-mail it.
you really have to play around with diferent papers and find what you like best - it makes a HUGE difference sometimes!

 

[fkj2]

Thanks Patty. I am not that savvy when it comes to saving photos as files. Not a clue when it comes to JPEG, tifs, etc. I have (just recently) scanned photos into the computer and then sometimes I have difficulty copying them to an email. I guess I should just buy one of those computer books for Dummies and read that. I just didn't want to buy the obviously wrong paper and waste money on that.

 

[safetymom]

If you are going to be selling the photos you will need to use a printer with archival inks. You don't know what people are going to do with the photos when you get them home. www.wilhelm-research.com is a great place for information on this.

Also you need to be concerned about the paper you use. Epson has the longest lasting archival inks and papers.

 

[fkj2]

Thanks, safetymom.

I am toying with the idea of reproducing some fairly old black and white photos and framing them to see if they'd sell at a local consignment shop, hoping to make a few extra bucks. I've just recently set up a new Dell with a great copier/scanner. I know this sounds ridiculous, but until the last 2 months, I had no clue how to scan anything into the computer, so any advice is beneficial. Since I don't know how successful this endeavor would be, I hated to spend money to begin with on the wrong supplies. I assume I can use Epson products with a Dell system or should I check the Dell site for the same type of products?

Thanks so much. I appreciate the advice. I'll check out the web site you posted.

 

[safetymom]

Yes you can use Epson's with your Dell.

Especially when you are selling them and you don't know what the person is going to do with them is the pigmented archival inks and the correct archival paper.

You don't want someone coming back to you in a short period of time complaining that their picture faded, or it got wet and it was ruined. With the pigmented inks you won't have that problem.

 

[fkj2]

Thanks again.

I tried to access that site last night but couldn't get through so I'll have to try a little later.

I really appreciate your help. Like everybody else, I could use the extra money and the photos I have are really old photos, probably from 75-80 years ago. Family stuff I nearly threw out but am going to try and reprint to sell. We'll see. I don't have much to lose by trying.