How To Duplicate Printed Photos Without The Negatives?

Before the arrival of digital cameras and colour copiers, the only way to duplicate a printed photo was to use the negative. It is therefore not possible to duplicate older photos where no digital copy exists and the negative has been lost. So what are your options when it comes to photo printing without the negative and what is the best solution?

There are 3 options available to duplicate printed photos without the negative:

• Copy the photo using a quality colour photocopier.
• Scan the photo onto a computer and print it using photographic paper and a photo printer.
• Take a photo of the printed photo with a high-resolution digital camera or phone and print it using photographic paper and a photo printer.

1). Copy The Photo

A printed photo can be copied using a colour photocopier. However, the quality of the copy will depend on a number of different factors:

• The size of the photo.
• The quality of the image and whether the original print has faded or become damaged over time.
• The type of colour copier used to copy the image.

The higher the quality of the print and the better the equipment used to copy the photo, the better quality the duplicate will be. Remember when copying photos that it will not provide you with a digital copy of the print. Although you can copy photos yourself if you have access to a colour copier, it is highly recommended to use a professional printing service for the best quality – especially if you are copying multiple printed photographs.

2). Scan The Photo

Printed photos can be scanned using a computer scanner and then printed using a colour photo printer. You will need a high-resolution scanner, photographic paper and a quality printer in order to print the highest quality duplicates of your original photo. If you don’t have access to a high-resolution scanner or printer, then it is advisable to take the printed photo to a professional printer. 

This is also recommended if you are duplicating multiple photos as scanning and printing can be a time-consuming process. The bonus of using a scanner is that you will have a digital record of the printed photo. It will also allow you to edit or filter the photo to ensure the best quality print. Scanning is largely considered to be the best way to duplicate printed photos.

3). Take A Photo

It is possible to take a photo of the existing printed photo and then have it printed. You will need a high-resolution digital camera, photographic paper and colour printer for the best results. The downside is that you will need to line the original photo up perfectly and take into consideration factors such as lighting. 

The advantage is that you will have a digital record of the photo although it may not be the clearest or best image. This is the least recommended route to take when duplicating a printed photo because it is difficult to get a quality image. You can however take the photo to a professional photographic and printing service provider to improve the results.

Once you’ve taken the perfect photo, remember to capture that moment forever with our range of quality photo frames

Final Thoughts

The digital age has made it possible to duplicate printed photos when you no longer have the negative. However, it is recommended to have your printed photos professionally copied or scanned for the best results. To find out which duplicating option will best suit your needs, then look no further than Photoland for advice.

We are able to provide you with a solution for the best results and have access to the highest quality copiers, printers and scanners. We offer a complete range of products and services from print photos and scanning, right through to picture framing and photo albums.

Please call us today on (02) 9235 1933 or contact us via our website.