Reprints from Old Photos

Updated on April 26, 2010
C.S. asks from Riverview, FL
14 answers

Does anyone know if scanning old photos into your computer and then reprinting them on websites like Ritzpix or Shutterfly amounts to decent photos? I have some professionally done 8x10s of my family that I don't have the negatives to, but would like to make some 5x7s of to take to my office. Do these reprints look pretty decent or are they fake and cheesy? I've made some reprints at Wal Mart using the instant machine and some digital pics from a USB, but the coloring looks soooooo bad and soooo fake. Help! Thank you.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Yikes! I didn't know it was illegal! I actually copied some pictures of mine in the past that I've taken off my own digital camera (not the best quality camera, either)- those are the ones that came out looking so cheap. I just figured if I purchased my pictures from the photographer it was mine to do with what I chose - guess I was wrong. Thank you for the advice. I definitely don't need to pay such a steep fine!

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.C.

answers from Lakeland on

I've had really good luck w/ Ritz camera shops doing reprints....I have taken the photos there for them to scan on their equipment, and if the original image was good the reprint was just as good! Good Luck

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.S.

answers from Sarasota on

I Scanned some old professional photos on to Kodak Gallery and ordered prints. But they would not print them because they looked professional and I did not have the copy rights. So you could also have a problem there. But old photos I have taken, scanned, and printed on Kodak always turn out great.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.G.

answers from Punta Gorda on

Thank you for your advice photographer. There is a limit on the time that they can hold a copywright. I had some old childhood photos done at CVS and they told me if they were over a certain # of years old the photographers copywright had run out. Also not all photographers hold the copywright. My brother got married 6 years ago and the photographer he used sold them the rights to all there wedding photos as part of there package. He gave them a disk with all the digital images. My daughters school picture company is even selling you the digital images with the $40.00 package. As far as the large fine that is for the photo companys like CVS that reprint copywrighted pictures and make a profit selling it to you. The fines are much less to an individual who is caught copying photos and not making a profit. I have a photo scanner, copier and copy photos at home, not copy wrighted as well as copywrighted before. A lot of photographers will let you out of it if you ask. I have made photo gifts from home for coaches with permission from the photgrapher. Good Luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.C.

answers from Tampa on

Try going to Walgreens. I have scanned some pretty old pictures (3 or 4 generations back), some even on cardboard rather than picture paper, and they have come out GREAT. They have a restoration option on their scanner.

Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.G.

answers from Tampa on

I have ordered from Snapfish and Kodak. They looked good. I order reprints in a matte finish which look way better than the shiny normal print.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.L.

answers from Tampa on

I have never scanned an 8x10 into my computer, so I can't be of much help there. But, I can tell you that I upload all the digital photos I have taken of my son over the last 2 1/2 yrs to Shutterfly. I have purchased several prints, made photo books, and have made my Christmas cards on their site. I am always very pleased with the quality.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.

answers from Sarasota on

I know that some places, like walgreens do restoration of old photos, so it seems to me like they *should* be able to make you quality reprints just the same. I don't have any idea on pricing for the service, just that they do it. Hope this helps.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.C.

answers from Fort Myers on

I scan in old photos and re-print them at home and adjust color and brightness etc with the photo software that came with my printer but be careful sending them to other printers because that might get you in trouble. There is always a button you have to click to confirm that you have permission to be printing these photos and if they are professional photos from a studio, unless you've purchased the copyright, you do not. Most photograpers will sell you the copyrights for old pictures cheap.
Just a heads up! Good luck!
@}~>~~
P.S. I just read your responses after I sent this- sorry it's kinda repeat. My bad.

T.F.

answers from Tampa on

My brother, Matt, bought out a business had improved upon it a ton.
If you can get the copyright (if available), use my brother. He does amazing work. It's Echo Media, or www.echoMYmedia.com. Seriously, they do really good quality and resolution. My cousin is a photographer and was impressed! Every order is cutom too. You get the idea from the website, but they will do exactly what you want. It's secure and safe too. Mention my name for a discount!

www.echoMYmedia.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.V.

answers from Sarasota on

I am a professional photographer, and I just want to let you know that if you do not have written permission from the photographer you should not be making copies. Those pictures are probley copywritten. If they are and you do make copies you could be fined up to 30,000.00. You may want to contact the photographer and if the photos are old they may sell you the negatives cheap. Also when you do scan pictures they will not be in full resoloution so the prints will not trun out so hot, that is why the color is off and and they look fake. I hope this helps.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.M.

answers from Davenport on

I would also like to know where i can reproduce professional pics, i paid over 75$ per 8x10 for pictures taken with a photographer yes i spent 500$ for a mere handful of them and was unable to afford wallets etc..SO i will definitely reprint mine, on my home scanner and print on my kodak paper. I think photographers pretty much rob you from the start..and what bothers me is that you could easily go to a walgreens and print up a package with over 50 photos..for 9.99$ Most photographers also dont want to give you the rights..they have nerve to charge such outrageous prices and than..refuse you the rights to reprint your pictures, at an affordable price!..I think THAT should be Illegal! SO power to those that are having luck reprinting theres! :)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.H.

answers from Tampa on

I've had friends tell me that the quality of pics from Shutterfly is not very good (from good digital pictures) so I probably wouldn't waste the money if I was you. Good luck!
N.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.C.

answers from Tampa on

I have had good results from using my digital camera and retaking the image - use a tripod and make sure there is no glare and the reproductions actually come out really well.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.W.

answers from Fort Myers on

Use a really high quality printing service, and do the color correction yourself.

Make sure you are scanning at a really high resolution.

I recommend Memory Manager software to correct color, fix flaws, and mend scratches or fading. (http://tinyurl.com/6s9dgp)

I do a lot of this and I'm happy to help you with any of this. You can email me through the website above if I can be of assistance!

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions