Enlarging 7x 5 inch colour photograph from the 1970s

[rfisher]

What's the best way to have a colour photograph enlarged these days?

Can I scan it and send the image to a company?

Is it better to take it to a shop?

Any recommended photographic services suppliers?

Thanks.

[RobDickinson]

Do you have the negative?

[rfisher]

RobDickinson said:

Do you have the negative?

No.

[StevieBee]

Much depends on the importance of the photo to you.

Home scanning depends on the quality of your scanner. Most do a reasonable job but the cheaper ones will require a fair bit of manipulation to to get the colours right.

If the photo has sentimental value, the I would take it to any of the high-street colour lab type stores (i.e Snappy Snaps). They'll likely have top-end scanner and print while you wait.

If you don't have anything in your high street, google 'digital colour labs' as there will likely be some commercial operators tucked away in an industrial unit somewhere near to you.

[anomiepete]

You could always digitally photograph the old photo, although reflections can be a problem.

[rfisher]

Thanks.

I'll try my scanner first then get the job done properly!

[Simpo Two]

My home scanner (Canon all-in-one jobbie) set to 300dpi, plus a tweak in PS seems to do very well.

Re-photographing it won't automatically get the colours right either, and for just one print, scanning is quicker.

[rfisher]

Thanks.

I'll have a play with my scanner - it can do 600dpi and I also have some A4 photographic paper lying around somewhere.

[Simpo Two]

rfisher said:

I'll have a play with my scanner - it can do 600dpi and I also have some A4 photographic paper lying around somewhere.

Ah, if you want to print it that's a whole nother ballgame!

[covboy]

Also forget about wht you see on CSI, the image quality won't be improved (especialy if you are enlarging the original) "tweeking" is about the most you can do.