What Happens to Your Family Photos After You Hand Them to Pixorium to be Digitized?
There’s a question almost every client wonders before contacting us:
“Can I really trust them with these?”
And honestly, you should ask it.
These aren’t just photographs. They’re irreplaceable pieces of your family history — and you should feel confident when handing them over.
At Pixorium, we understand that. That’s why our process is designed around care, transparency, and communication from the very beginning.
sweet photo from Library of Congress
It Starts With a Conversation
Before we scan a single image, we begin with a consultation meeting or call.
We want to understand:
· your goals for the project,
· how you plan to use the images,
· how you’d like them organized,
· how you want to receive your digital files,
· your timeline,
· and your budget.
This helps us tailor to you — not force your family history into a one-size-fits-all.
Every Project Is Carefully Inventoried
Once we have your materials, everything is counted and inventoried so we know exactly what we have of yours and can provide an accurate estimate and thus, invoice.
After the inventory is complete, we send you the estimate and follow up with a call to answer questions, discuss any lingering concerns, and confirm scheduling.
We charge 15% of the estimate for preparing the inventory. If you proceed with us, that amount is applied to the final invoice. If not, we will invoice you for that amount.
No surprises.
Your Originals Stay Safe
When we’re not actively working on your project, your materials are stored in a water- and fire-safe manner.
All scanning work is completed in-house by our experienced team (meet us here) using flatbed scanners for careful handling and high-quality results. On occasion, we will use a trusted local specialist for a particular service, however, we will always discuss it with you first and only proceed with your approval.
Every image is individually cropped and adjusted by a real person — not rushed through an automated machine.
Quality Matters
We scan prints at 600 dpi and slides or negatives at 3200 dpi as our standard because we believe your memories deserve more than the bare minimum.
Color correction and dust cleanup are included during scanning, and additional archival options such as TIFF files are available depending on your goals.
After digitization, your files are backed up onsite to a separate server for added protection.
You Decide How Much Communication
Some clients like regular progress updates. Others prefer a simple notification when their project is complete.
During your consultation, we discuss your communication preferences and tailor the experience accordingly.
If you want updates, we’ll provide them.
If you want to review samples before delivery, we’re happy to do that too.
Most importantly, you’ll always have a dedicated contact person available throughout the process.
This work is personal — and we treat it that way.
We Prioritize Care Over Speed
Turnaround time depends on project size and complexity. Projects are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, although we do our best to accommodate time-sensitive needs such as memorial services or family events.
We’ll discuss deadlines honestly during your consultation and will never accept a project we can’t complete within the agreed timeframe.
And no — we don’t charge “rush fees”, especially during emotional times.
Your Images Delivered Your Way
Most projects are delivered via a private Dropbox folder for easy downloading and sharing.
We can also provide files:
· on USB drives,
· external hard drives,
· or uploaded to your preferred cloud storage system.
Some clients want all originals returned. Others prefer we responsibly dispose of them after digitization. We’ll discuss what feels right for you during the consultation process.
More Than Scanning
People don’t come to Pixorium simply because they want digital files.
They come because they want to preserve something meaningful before time slips further away.
A handwritten note on the back of a photograph.
A face future generations should still recognize.
A family story that deserves to survive.
That responsibility is never lost on us.
And neither is the trust you place in our hands.
