How to Quickly Digitize Photos for a Memorial Video

Jonathon Verdago
Jul 7
3 min read

Updated: Sep 6

A Gentle Guide During Difficult Times

Creating a tribute video for a loved one is a heartfelt way to celebrate their life. But when time is short and emotions are high, digitizing old photos can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through simple, fast ways to preserve precious memories using tools you likely already have.

Why This Matters More Than Perfect Quality

Every photo tells part of a life story — a childhood snapshot, a faded vacation print, a wedding portrait. These aren’t just pictures. They’re windows into moments worth remembering.

You don’t need professional equipment or editing skills. What matters most is capturing the essence of these memories with care, not perfection.

Step 1: Gather Photos of Your Loved One

Start by creating a comfortable space to work and begin your photo hunt:

Look through albums, scrapbooks, framed pictures, and loose prints
Ask family and friends to send digital copies — they may have gems you haven’t seen
Aim for 75–150 meaningful photos to tell their story

Use sticky notes to mark “must-have” images. Don’t worry about gathering everything at once — this process can unfold gently, and every step is progress.

Bonus Tip: Invite family members to share stories while you sort. It can turn a tough task into a meaningful moment.

Step 2: Choose a Digitizing Method That Works for You

Option 1: Use Your Smartphone (Fastest & Most Flexible)

Best for: Framed photos, albums, and quick scanning Time: 2–3 photos per minute Tools: A smartphone and good lighting

Pros:

No special equipment required
Great for tricky formats (e.g. scrapbooks, framed photos)
Fast and convenient

Cons:

May introduce glare or slight distortion (but easily avoided — see next step)

Option 2: Use a Flatbed Scanner (Best Quality)

Best for: Loose prints you want to preserve in detail Time: 1–2 minutes per photo Tools: A scanner or printer with scanning capability

Pros:

High-quality, consistent results
Ideal for flat, unbound prints

Cons:

Slower for large batches
Requires dedicated equipment

Step 3: Tips for Great Smartphone Scans

Your phone can create beautiful digital images. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Best Free Apps for Scanning

Google PhotoScan (removes glare automatically)
Microsoft Lens (fast, accurate batch scanning)
Adobe Scan (auto-cropping and easy cleanup)

Lighting Setup Tips

Use bright, indirect natural light from a large window
Avoid direct sunlight and camera flash
Place photos on a white or neutral background

Photo Capture Tips

Hold your phone parallel to the photo
Get close enough to fill the frame
Use a stack of books or a tripod for steadiness
Take multiple shots of especially important photos

For Framed Photos or Glass

Use a slight angle (about 15°) to avoid glare
Stand with the light source behind you
Clean the glass beforehand with a microfiber cloth

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Waiting for perfect conditions: Natural light is usually enough
Over-editing: Keep the photos true to their original feel
Perfectionism: Imperfect photos still carry deep emotional weight

You're Ready to Create a Meaningful Tribute

Once your photos are digitized, you’re ready to begin building your memorial video — whether you use a slideshow app, online platform, or professional service.

Every photo you preserve is a story saved. Your efforts aren’t just technical — they’re acts of love. The slightly crooked scan of a school photo or a quick snapshot of a framed portrait carries as much heart as any perfect image.