In this article, you'll learn how to professionally edit your slide scans. You'll get better results using either GIMP, Lightroom or Photo Shop. So avoid using your scanner to fix your scans.
So far you should have gotten a natural slide scan, and have opened your scan in your favourite image editing software. If not, please go back to...
There's basically three things you have to fix. Follow along, and I'll show you what to fix and HOW to fix these problems.
Number one slide scanning problem is too much dust and scratches.
What's the best way to get rid of dust and debris? It's not Digital Ice, and actually, it's not Photoshop.
The best way is to take the time to clean the slide before you load it into the scanner. I know, it's a bit of work, but in the long run it will make fixing dust in editing software A LOT easier.
Alright, enough with the talking. Here's how to get rid of dust and scratches from your slide scan...
You know, even if you have a slide that is 5 minutes old, your scan will still look faded or flat.
Why? Because the scanner will also scan the GLOSS that comes off your slide.
For example, take a look at the two imagse above. The image is a photo scan -- the photo is only 4 years old. It wasn't time that faded the colours. It's because the glossy surface of the photo is also scanned, resulting in this "filmy" / "milky" look.
This will also happen to your slide and negative scans.
Of course, your slides lose colour over time. But I've found that the biggest issue isn't faded, old slides, it's the surface light that is also scanned.
Here's how to fix flat, faded colours from a slide scan...
Sometimes your scanner will make light areas too light (over-exposed), or dark areas too dark (under-exposed).
Have a look...
Over-exposed image vs. one that's fixed.
Under-exposed image vs. one that's fixed.
Here's how to tweak the exposure levels...
Hello, Konrad here.
Hopefully this scanning guide has all the info you need to help you with your scanning project.
If not, let me know what you're frustrated about when scanning. Fill out this form, and I'll be happy to help with some advice:
Fill out your Name, Email, and Your Scanning Frustrations below, and I'll be glad to offer some advice...
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If you like to hire my team and I to personally scan your slides into professional, high-quality digital images, I invite you to visit:
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Good luck with your slide, negative, photo scanning project!
Konrad M.
Hello, Konrad here.
Hopefully this scanning guide has all the info you need to help you with your scanning project.
If not, you can always email me at, help@howtoscan.ca with any specific scanning questions.
If you like to hire my team and I to personally scan your slides into professional, high-quality digital images, I invite you to visit ScanCanada.ca.
Good luck with your slide, negative, photo scanning project!
Konrad M.