The Best Way to Scan Old Photos for Your Cookbook

A family cookbook isn't just about food; it's a visual history. Including photos of the people who created the recipes adds an incredible layer of depth. But old, faded photos can be tricky to digitize correctly.

Scanner vs. Smartphone

While modern smartphones have great cameras, a flatbed scanner is still king for old prints. It eliminates glare and ensures the photo is perfectly flat. If you must use a phone, use a scanning app like Google PhotoScan that stitches multiple angles together to remove glare.

Resolution Matters

If you plan to print your cookbook, resolution is key. Scan your photos at a minimum of 300 DPI (dots per inch). If the photo is small (like a wallet size) and you want to print it larger, scan at 600 DPI or higher.

Cleaning and Prep

Before scanning, gently wipe the photo with a microfiber cloth to remove dust. Dust specks can look like boulders when enlarged. Be very careful with fragile or cracked photos—sometimes it's better to scan them inside a clear plastic sleeve.

Digital Restoration

Once scanned, you can use simple tools to bring photos back to life. Adjusting the contrast and brightness can fix fading. KeepTheDish's editor allows you to upload these high-quality images directly next to your recipes, creating a seamless blend of past and present.