How it works
We collect. We scan. We return. There is a bit more to it than that — but you can leave the details to us. Whether you’re sending a single shoebox or a lifetime of albums, the process is simple, secure, and handled with care every step of the way.
1. Choose a service and place your order
Choose the service which best suits your needs and please get in touch if you are unsure or need further assistance. Keep an eye out for our courier pack which should arrive in the next available First Class post. For small orders we ask you to provide your own box (an old shoebox fits our mailer perfectly). For larger orders (or if you are stuck for a shoebox) we'll be sending you a shipping box, to be billed for upon completion and yours to keep. Pre-paid courier shipping labels are included as is an Apple AirTag for digital tracking and additional peace of mind.
2. Secure home collection
Your photos are handled as if they were our own. Courier shipments are fully tracked and we've added an extra layer of security with an Apple AirTag. In-person collections are managed exclusively by a member of our very own team. Albums, negatives, and boxes are transported exactly as packed — nothing is disturbed or rearranged.
💬 We'll notify you the moment your collection arrives safely at the Lab.
3. Professional digitisation
Once your order is received, our technicians get to work. Every image is carefully scanned using the latest professional techniques and digitising equipment. Albums are scanned page-by-page to preserve annotations and composition, or individually, image-by-image, if preferred. Negatives, slides and cine reels are cleaned, digitised and organised with precision. Each batch we process is individually saved to its own corresponding folder using sequential numbering. Bespoke folder labelling is available for a small additional fee.
💬 You'll receive immediate access to your scans via a preview and full download link as soon as we finish your order.
4. Safe return and easy sharing
When your digitisation is complete, you'll receive:
- Immediate access to your full resolution scans via an email download link
- 30 days of secure online photo access via our web-sharing portal – extensions available upon request
- A 120-year rated archive-quality backup DVD included as standard with all orders
- Optional USB stick with gift box or digital photo frame, pre-loaded with all your new scans
Your originals are carefully repacked and returned using the same secure method — courier or in-person. If you'd like, we can also help you upload your new collection to Apple or Google Photos, so everything's instantly shareable and safely backed up for the future. We can also offer advice on photo organising and things like displaying your scans on your TV.
Simple. Secure. Done.
From start to finish, every step is managed for you — safely, neatly, and without stress. All that's left for you to do is enjoy rediscovering the photos that tell your story.