Skip to main content
Frequently Asked Questions

Photo transfer FAQ

How should I pack photos, slides, and negatives for transfer?

Straight answer from RVA Rewind, a local media digitizing studio in Richmond, Virginia. We help with Photographic prints, 35mm slides, and common negative formats (plus restoration for damaged or faded images).

Loose photos, slides, and negatives can be placed in ziploc-style baggies or envelopes. If you end up having more than one bag or envelope, write the number order on the outside so we know which set comes first, second, and so on.

We do not require everything to be loose-leaf. We can still process photos that arrive in albums, frames, cases, carousels, or sleeves. Pack so pages do not bend and glass frames are protected. For mail-in orders, use a sturdy box with padding so corners of albums and slide boxes are not crushed.

Tips that save time later:

• Keep like with like when possible (prints together, slides together).

• Note fragile or high-priority items on a simple packing list.

• Avoid rubber bands that can stick to emulsion or paper over time.

Once packed, drop off by appointment in Richmond or ship carefully. See photo scanning services and photo restoration, or contact us if you are unsure how to prepare a large collection.

How this works at RVA Rewind

Prints fade, slides stick in carousels, and negatives scratch easily. Scanning creates durable digital masters you can reprint, share with family, and store in multiple places—while the physical collection comes home with you.

  1. Group and label photos, slides, or negatives the way you want them organized.
  2. We scan at resolutions suited to each format and can restore selected images when requested.
  3. Originals return with your digital files for sharing and backup.

Media we handle in this category

Photographic prints, 35mm slides, and common negative formats (plus restoration for damaged or faded images).

Next steps

See photo scanning and photo restoration services, then request an estimate for your boxes of prints, slides, or negatives.

Explore our photo scanning services, or our dedicated photo restoration service.

Get a Free EstimateService detailsMore Photo FAQsAll FAQsService AreasReviews

Related Photo questions

More answers about photo digitizing from the same FAQ category.

Why choose a local photo scanning service over a big retailer?
When most people decide to preserve personal memories by digitizing them, they want it done once—with quality that still looks good years from now—not a rushed scan they regret lat…
How will I get my scanned photos and originals back?
At RVA Rewind, we understand that your photos—whether prints, slides, or negatives—are more than just images; they’re cherished memories that deserve the utmost care. After expertl…
Do you return original photos, slides, and negatives?
Yes. All original prints, slides, and negatives are returned with your digitized files. We scan carefully and pack originals for pickup or return shipping. You keep your physical p…
Will you keep my photos, slides, and negatives in order?
Yes. We keep prints, slides, and negatives in the order you provide whenever you give us a clear sequence. That organization carries through into how folders and files are prepared…
Do you offer photo restoration and cleaning?
Yes. RVA Rewind offers digital photo restoration in Richmond, VA—repairing tears, stains, fading, dust, and color shifts on a digital copy of your photo. We do not chemically clean…
What are the technical specs for photo scanning?
We scan photos to preserve detail from the original print, slide, or negative. Output is typically high-resolution image files suitable for viewing, sharing, and printing. Common d…
What scan resolution do you use for photos, slides, and negatives?
We scan at resolutions chosen for each format so your digital files stay sharp for viewing, sharing, and printing: • Photo prints: 600 DPI minimum (optional higher-resolution upgra…

Browse other FAQ topics

General · Video · Film · Audio · Data disks