The Process:

*Decide on the family unit that you would like your Legacy Book to focus on.

*Get your family photos together in order of decade. – write down any important dates, locations or life events to go with the photos.

*Contact other family members to see what they can contribute (Set up a “family night” to go over your photo collection and share memories)

*If you do not have the ability to make hi-res scans, you can check your local lab or contact Karaleigh. Due to the nature of the book and the irreplaceable value of the images, we do not recommend mailing your photos. They must be delivered in person.

Enter the scanning phase:

An average of 3-5 weeks long

If we do your scanning:

Karaleigh Professional Photography uses professional grade equipment and high resolutions to provide the best possible printing quality and restoration possibilities. Every image is individually scanned by hand. Bulk sheet-fed scanners have the potential to jam, risking a rip or tear in a priceless photo, which is why we do not scan this way. In addition, any writing on the reverse side of the photographs will be scanned. We believe that the sentiments, dates and information that someone took the care to make note of, are worth preserving as well.

The best scan resolution will be determined by the size that the image is to be displayed. Other prints will be scanned for optimum print quality at their original dimensions.

Your photos, negative and slides are handled with the utmost care and respect. Cotton gloves are used during the scanning process to ensure that additional fingerprints and natural oils present on the hands will not damage the photos further. Your photos will be kept in a fireproof safe when they are not on the table for scanning.

Compressed air will be used for any “dusting” on prints, negatives or slides. We have professional photo cleaning solutions for any images requiring a major cleaning. You will be consulted for any cleaning issues that may arise. As soon as the scanning phase is complete- your photos, slides and negatives, will be returned to you.

Enter the Design Phase: average 4-6 weeks long

How we design the book:

When the scanning is completed, your photos will be analyzed for restoration. Minor restoration¹ needs will be completed during album design. More involved restoration² will be discussed with you.

The number of images, text and their quality will determine the book design. Every page is individually designed around the elements that will be displayed. We do not use "templates" or pre-designed pages. This unique book is created around your family legacy insuring an exquisite historical archive.

We will create two “review” designs before the final version goes to print.

The first draft of your Legacy Book™ will be professionally designed and provided to you in PDF format for review 3-4 weeks after the scanning has been completed. It is at this point, where you would provide any additional stories or textual content to include in your Legacy Book™. When you have reviewed the first draft, and provided additional content to be added, the final version of your book will be completed and provided to you once more in a PDF file for final proofing.

Every image scanned will be archived on a 24k gold plated disc. Any restoration or image editing will result in 2 files – the original scan and the enhanced version. Your Legacy Book™ comes with one disc set. Additional discs (copies) are available for $45.

 

Your Legacy Book™ is sent for printing:

Your Legacy Book™ will be carefully packed and shipped to you 8-10 weeks after it is sent for printing.

24k gold plated disc

When Your Legacy Book™  is delivered you will also receive all of your scanned photos on a 24k gold plated disc.

“Thirty percent of the cost to produce an Archival Gold disc is due to the use of 24 karat gold - one of the most inert elements on earth. The unique characteristics found in Gold prevent oxidation, one of the most common causes of CD-R's failure. The combination of Phthalocyanine dye and the use of gold in the reflective layer of the disc ensure that Archival Gold CD-R's provide the most extreme protection for your digital images from environmental degradation. Rated to last over 300 years.”

 Your Legacy photos can be printed at any photo lab and everyone in the family can have copies.          

¹Minor restoration includes fixing any solid color area of the image that does not have much detail.

²Involved restoration includes anything from a major scratch through a heavily detailed area, to the photo being ripped in half. Involved restoration charges will be quoted on a case by case basis and will depend on the amount of time required to restore the image as close to the original state as possible.

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