Digitization
A negative is a fragile thing. It holds a moment, and time is slowly taking it back.
Restoration that respects the image
Dust, scratches and color shifts can be corrected, and we do it with a light hand. Our rule is simple: we restore what time has taken away, never what the photographer chose. If a correction would change the character of an image, we tell you and you decide. When the damage is serious, we say honestly what can and cannot be recovered.
Files you can rely on
We deliver files in the format your project needs: TIFF for maximum quality, JPEG for everyday use, or any other format you require, by secure transfer or on a hard drive or USB stick. Every file is named according to a clear, consistent system, so that years from now you will still know exactly what you are looking at.
From scan to print
Many clients digitize with us and print with us. The scan is made with the final print in mind, and the same eyes follow the image from film to paper. Discover our archival pigment prints
Tell us about your originals: formats, quantity, and what you hope to do with them.
We will send you quote and advices.
At Atelier Pigment, we scan photographic originals (color and black-and-white negatives, slides and transparencies, from 35 mm to large format) with a single aim: to bring the image into the digital world without losing what the photographer saw in it. Our fine art scanning service is built for photographers, artists, estates, and institutions who want files they can print, publish, and keep.
Handled with care
Negatives and vintage prints are handled with gloves and kept in dedicated sleeves from the moment they reach the studio until they go home. We treat every original as the only one, because for many of our clients it is.
Scanned for what comes next
A scan made to archive a collection and a scan made for a large exhibition print are not the same file. So we start by asking what the image will become: a print, a book, a restoration, a place in an archive. Then we choose the resolution and settings accordingly, so that you never receive less than you need, nor pay in time and storage for much more.
FAQ
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We use the Imacon Hasselblad Flextight 5 scanner, a benchmark for high-end scanning. This scanner combines the precision of a virtual drum with advanced optical technology, allowing you to capture every detail of your negatives and slides with exceptional resolution. Thanks to its ability to preserve the dynamics of tones, sharpness and richness of colors, it is particularly suited to the requirements of professional photographers and archival projects. The Flextight 5 guarantees very high-quality digital files, ideal for large-format printing or professional use.
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Yes, we systematically offer a basic optimization of the images during scanning, including color correction, white balance and contrast adjustment if necessary. This allows the images to be restored to their original colors, especially for negatives or slides that have been altered over time. However, if you prefer to keep a raw version of the scans, without any intervention, we can also provide you with files as they were scanned, in their original state. On request, we also carry out advanced retouching for specific needs, such as removing defects or preparing files for printing or digital publication.
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We pay particular attention to the handling of your negatives and slides, whether old or recent. Each piece is treated with care in a suitable, clean and dust-free environment, in order to avoid any risk of deterioration. Your originals are stored and protected in dedicated pouches during their stay on our premises. In the case of postal delivery, although we prefer hand delivery to our premises, we provide you with precise recommendations for secure packaging, and we use tracked delivery services to guarantee their traceability.
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Yes, to a certain extent. We can perform digital corrections to reduce defects caused by time, such as scratches, dust, stains or color fading. Although this depends on the original condition of the originals, our post-production expertise allows us to apply targeted retouching and contrast and brightness adjustments to restore your images. If your negatives or slides are particularly fragile, we will advise you on the best solutions for your project.