1. Select old photos to scan into the computer. When possible, use gloss or semi-gloss photos since scanners often pick up the indentations of matte-finish photos.2. Handle the photos by the edges so the scanner won't pick up fingerprints from the photos. Also, clean the scanner glass with a lint-free cloth so dust won't compromise the quality of the scan.
3. Place the pictures face down.
4. Align the pictures with the top of the scanner glass, so the pictures won't scan into the computer crooked.
5. Set the computer to capture a high-quality image. The higher the quality setting, the more of the computer's memory the scan will require, so you may decide a medium setting will suffice (figure B).6. Crop, enlarge or shrink the photos to suit your needs, but remember: if you blow up a photo larger than the original scanned image, the resolution will decrease, and the size of the pixels will increase, resulting in a loss of detail and obvious, jagged edges (figure C).
7. Preview special effects such as sepia tones, lightening or darkening the black-and-white pictures, colorizing the photos or adjusting the depth of field. Give yourself plenty of time, since the trial-and-error process can take time to achieve the desired effect.
8. Print the final copy on glossy or matte paper (figure D), sizing the finished work so it is slightly larger than the insert on the DVD case. Trim to a perfect fit with a paper cutter.
Making home movies is a way to document and preserve family history. With digital technology the cameras have become cheaper and easier to use, allowing anyone to record beautiful pictures and crystal-clear audio of those important little moments and historic family events. You can have fun editing at home because inexpensive software allows you to play with your footage, restore old photographs and even compose a custom soundtrack. All it takes is jumping in and experimenting. If you're willing to do that, you and your family will be able to treasure the rewards for years to come.
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