While this is something that has to be done to get photos into TightKnit, the good news is that there are lots of options! Look for a future blog post on this subject, but for now, here is a summary:


If you want to do it yourself. You can do it for very little money if you have the time!

  • Unless noted otherwise, you will need a desktop or laptop computer
  • Buy a scanner. You can buy a good one for a couple hundred dollars (US). It takes time as it is usually a one-at-a-time scan. However, the quality is excellent. Flatbed scanners are best for hard-copy photographs and documents. Avoid automatic feeders as they may damage the original. If you have slides, look for a flatbed scanner that does both. One popular and lower cost scanner is the Epson Perfection V600.
  • Rent-a-slide scanner. This is like the “Netflix of scanning”. If you have a lot of slides, this is also a good option. They are not cheap to rent, but because they are high-speed, the best way to utilize one is to do all your preparation before time, and then rent the scanner for several days (e.g. a weekend), and have a scanning party!! With the efficiency of these professional-grade scanners, you will get an amazing amount of scanning done. E-Z Photo Scan is a service to consider (ezphotoscan.com)
  • Use a photo scanner app on your phone or tablet. While the resolution is not as good as a flatbed or rented scanner, these are getting better all the time. Two to consider are Photomyne and TurboScan - check your app store for each. 


If you want to hire it out. Costs more money than the DIYers approach, but saves a huge amount of time and the quality is outstanding.

  • Local scanning services. You bring in your box of photos (or video) and they digitize them. Most metro areas have “Photo conversion” or “Photo Scanning” services that do this. We highly suggest using one that does not ship your photos out – but instead keeps them in house, as this all but eliminates any risk due to loss. Can’t find one? Ask us!
  • Hire a person. Have a nephew or niece that is looking for some hourly work? You still have to have a computer and scanner, but they can do the grunt work for a fee! Also, there are professionals who will help you organize and digitize your photos for a fee. One such organization is the Association of Personal Photo Organizers (www.appo.org).