How to Prepare Your Photos

How to Prepare Your Photos

Preparing your photos properly helps ensure they arrive safely and allows us to review and digitize them as efficiently as possible.

Most projects don’t require anything special. A little organization goes a long way.

What to send

You can send any physical photo materials, including:

  • Loose prints
  • Albums or scrapbooks
  • Negatives or film strips
  • Slides
  • Envelopes or labeled bundles
  • Boxes of mixed photographs

If you’re unsure whether something is suitable, include it. We’ll review everything during evaluation.

Do not remove originals from albums unless instructed

If your photos are in albums, scrapbooks, or sleeves:

  • Leave them exactly as they are
  • Do not peel, remove, or rearrange photos
  • Do not attempt repairs or cleaning

Albums are often part of the historical record. We photograph and digitize them safely in their original condition. The decision to remove individual photos from photobooks will be based on the condition of the album itself and the glue holding photos onto the pages. 

Grouping and notes (optional but helpful)

You don’t need to organize anything perfectly, but if you want certain groupings preserved, you can:

  • Use paper dividers or envelopes
  • Add handwritten notes (we will capture these if back-side capture is requested)
  • Label groups with simple descriptions like: 
    • “Vacation – 1978”
    • “Grandparents”
    • “Slides – unknown dates”

Avoid using sticky notes directly on photos.

Handling guidelines

To reduce risk of damage:

  • Handle photos by the edges when possible
  • Avoid bending, rolling, or flattening curled photos
  • Do not use tape, glue, rubber bands, or clips
  • Do not attempt cleaning with liquids or chemicals

If photos are fragile, leave them as-is. We’re equipped to handle delicate materials.

Packing your photos for delivery or shipping

For local drop-off or pickup

Photos are transported in secured protective containers to minimize movement and handling.

If mailing your photos

We’ll send packing instructions after your deposit is submitted, but general guidelines include:

  • Use rigid protection (cardboard or photo mailers)
  • Prevent shifting inside the box
  • Avoid loose stacking
  • Clearly label any groups you want preserved
  • Do not ship photos in soft envelopes
  • Wrap photos securely and, if possible, include a waterproof layer
  • Customers are responsible for shipping costs when sending photos to Romero Imaging

We recommend insured shipping with tracking.

What not to worry about

You do not need to:

  • Count every photo exactly
  • Clean or repair photos
  • Remove photos from frames or albums
  • Upload files online

Final counts and pricing are confirmed after we review your photos in person.

What happens after your photos arrive

Once we receive your photos:

  1. We review quantity and condition
  2. We confirm scope and final pricing
  3. You approve before any work begins

No digitization or restoration starts without your approval.

Questions before sending your photos?

If you’re unsure how to prepare a specific item or collection, reach out before sending anything. We’re happy to guide you.

Every project is handled carefully and reviewed by a real person.