Nowadays, it’s rare for most of us to have physical photographs developed. They tend to live exclusively on our screens, even though tangible photos still have that irreplaceable power.
However, you likely have a treasure trove of old family photos. Holding them is like looking into a time capsule: one which shows us those memories which make life meaningful. They’re often some of our most important possessions. That’s why Mr Scan wants to help you back them up to the finest standards.
Perhaps you have old pictures of your great grandparents’ marriage, or pictures of your grandfather during World War II. Despite their value, too many of us neglect our precious memories, leaving them vulnerable to damage or decay.
Whether you’ve got boxes of old family albums, drawers filled with 35mm negatives or shelves of camcorder tapes gathering dust, now is the time to take action. Let’s look at why backing up your photos and home videos is essential, and how to do it the right way.
The Problem with Physical Media
All physical media eventually degrades: it’s just a fact of time. For instance, 35mm negatives and slides degrade due to exposure to light, moisture, and temperature changes.
Meanwhile, VHS, Betamax, and camcorder tapes lose quality every time they’re played, and the magnetic tape inside can deteriorate in as little as 10–20 years. Printed photos are prone to colour fading, scratches, mould and tearing.
Not only that, old equipment for playing videos is becoming extinct. That cherished home movie might as well be invisible if you can’t find a working VHS player—or if the tape snaps during playback.
It’s not just about preserving the media, but about saving memories.
Why Digital Backups Are Crucial in 2025
1. Disaster-Proofing Your Memories
Fires, floods and accidental damage can happen at any time. You don’t want to lose that part of your history. By converting photos and tapes to digital formats, you make sure those memories can survive any physical catastrophe.
2. Sharing Made Easy
Once they’re turned to digital, your photos and videos can be shared with family across the country, or the world. You won’t have to worry about sending precious originals through the post. All you need to do is share them on an app like Google Photos or send an USB stick with the photos.
3. Save Space in Your Home
Boxes and albums take up space. A single USB stick can store thousands of images and hours of footage. Free up your cupboards without sacrificing your memories.
4. Ensure Photos Are There for Posterity
Digital formats are easy to copy, move and store across multiple locations. That means your memories can be passed on, not just to your children, but to your grandchildren, and theirs too.
Why DIY Scanning Isn’t the Best Bet
It’s possible to buy a scanner or attempt your own digital transfers. But doing it properly requires time, exceptional care and professional-grade equipment. This is especially true for fragile or rare formats like CineFilm, APS films, and audio cassettes.
There are various reasons to use a professional transfer service include:
- Home scanners often compress files, losing resolution.
- Cheap transfer kits can cause more harm than good.
- Without proper calibration, colours and detail get lost.
How Mr Scan Can Help You Do It Right
Based in Farnham, Mr Scan specialise in high-resolution digital conversion for nearly every format imaginable:
- Photographs and printed albums
- 35mm Negatives and Slides
- VHS, Betamax, and Camcorder Tapes
- CineFilm & APS Films
- Audio cassettes and vintage formats
We’re a friendly, trusted family-run scanning studio based in a beautiful Grade II listed Oast House in Farnham. Our team knows your memories matter, and we treat every item like it’s our own.
With our scanning services, you will enjoy:
- High-Resolution Scans – Preserved with clarity and detail.
- Digital Copies via USB or Instant Cloud Download – You choose what suits you best.
- Professional Restoration (Optional) – Remove scratches, correct colours, and bring faded images back to life.
- Complete Confidentiality – Your family footage stays private and protected.
The Time to Act Is Now
There’s no perfect moment to start. The longer you wait, the more risk you take with your irreplaceable past. Backing up your photos isn’t just about ensuring you can have them on a screen; it’s about keeping your family’s story alive for generations.
So whether it’s those wedding slides in the attic, your children’s first birthdays caught on VHS, or your grandad’s CineFilm reels from the ‘60s, don’t let them be forgotten. Let Mr Scan help you protect your memories.
To get started, simply contact us or visit us in Farnham’s Grade II listed Oast House. We digitise everything from photos to vintage tapes. Mr Scans provides the option for USB or Cloud deliveries.
Ready to get started? Contact us today and back up what matters most.
