Photo and Slide Scanning

Analog photography possesses a depth and texture that time, unfortunately, tends to degrade. Slides fade, negatives become brittle, and printed photographs suffer from the effects of humidity and light exposure. At Stionhub, we understand that these images are not merely paper or plastic, but the visual heritage of a family—the only evidence of stories that deserve to be passed down to new generations.

To combat the natural deterioration of physical media, we utilize cutting-edge digitization equipment capable of reaching a resolution of up to 6400 dpi. This level of detail allows us not only to create a digital copy identical to the original but also to perform significant enlargements without loss of quality, ensuring that every silver grain and every color nuance is captured with technical precision in our Málaga studio.

Who is this scanning service for?

Our scanning service is designed for various clients seeking security and professional quality. Primarily, we serve families who possess boxes of memories accumulated over decades and wish to organize them into an accessible and secure format. Digitization allows these images to be shared instantly with relatives anywhere in the world without risking the integrity of the originals.

We also work with analog photographers who need to convert their 35mm or medium-format negatives into digital files for professional editing or publication. Additionally, we assist small cultural associations and local archives in Málaga that require the preservation of historical visual documentation, guaranteeing delicate handling of each medium to prevent any accidental damage during manipulation.

How we execute the technical workflow

The scanning process at Stionhub is not a simple automatic copy. Each batch of images undergoes a controlled workflow. We begin with equipment calibration to avoid chromatic aberrations. In the case of slides, we control the light source to prevent excessive brightness from washing out the original colors. For negatives, we apply a precise color inversion that recovers the natural tones of the captured scene.

File management is equally rigorous. Each image is named following the organization of the original delivery, making it easy for the client to locate each photo. We work with formats that prioritize quality, allowing the end user to decide if they prefer compressed files for web use or high-density files for professional printing.

What should the client prepare before delivery?

To optimize processing times and ensure organization, we recommend that clients organize their materials in identified envelopes or folders. If photographs are in old albums, it is important to inform us if the adhesive is delicate; in many cases, it is preferable to scan the entire album page to avoid damaging the photo when attempting to peel it off.

For negatives, we suggest keeping them in their original strips or protective sleeves. If you have a list or inventory of the contents, attaching it will help ensure that the naming of the digital files is consistent with your own records. Proper preparation reduces the risk of classification errors and accelerates the delivery timeframe.

Final results: What does the client receive?

Upon completion of the service, the client receives a digitally organized folder structure. Depending on the selection, files are delivered in high-quality JPEG format or TIFF for those requiring lossless data preservation. All files are compatible with any modern device: computers, tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs.

In addition to the files, the client recovers all their original physical media. At Stionhub, we maintain a backup copy of the digitized files for 60 calendar days after delivery, providing a safety net in case the client loses their files during the initial transfer.

Execution times and deadlines

The average delivery time for photo and slide scanning is 10 business days, although this time may vary depending on the total volume of units. For extensive orders exceeding thousands of negatives, we coordinate a partial delivery schedule.

If the client requires special urgency, we offer a priority service with a 50% increase over the standard rate, significantly reducing the waiting time. It is essential to coordinate the delivery date via our contact form to ensure equipment availability.

Service limitations: What we do NOT do

It is important to clarify that our service focuses on technical digitization. We do not perform deep artistic restorations (such as reconstructing missing parts of a torn photograph or removing people from an image) within the basic scanning price; for this, we have a specific Image and Sound Restoration service.

We also do not perform chemical cleaning of negatives that present severe fungal damage or advanced chemical degradation requiring industrial solvents, as this could jeopardize the integrity of the medium. We limit ourselves to superficial cleaning of dust and fingerprints using compressed air and antistatic tools.

Price calculation and VAT application

Our rates are calculated per scanned unit (per slide, per negative, or per printed photograph). The prices published in our table include the 21% VAT applicable in Spain, providing full transparency to the final consumer. For professional clients or companies (B2B), we issue invoices detailing the taxable base and the tax separately.

The final cost is determined by multiplying the number of actual units processed by the corresponding rate. In the case of voluminous packs, the budget is adjusted according to the complexity of the medium. For more details on how the cost is structured, you can consult our guide on how much digitization costs.

What exactly is included in the service?

• Superficial cleaning of dust and particles using dry air.
• High-resolution scanning up to 6400 dpi depending on the medium.
• Professional color inversion for negatives.
• Basic adjustment of levels, contrast, and color balance.
• Digital cropping of the physical medium edges.
• Delivery of files in digital format (JPEG/TIFF).
• Temporary security storage for 60 days.