At the same time its size is approximately halved. That the TIFF format is more preferable, as you see, is mainly connected with the fact that we do not in the least risk losing or changing irreplaceably the obtained data of the digitized image. What is more, this format is understood by practically all graphics programs and it is used on the PC and Macintosh platforms.

JPEG is a rather effective format of compression. This peculiarity, no doubt, saves the space on your hard drive considerably but, on the other hand, the loss of the quality is inevitable. When using this format, it is possible to change the compression levels from 0 (the maximum compression – the worst quality) to 12 (the minimum compression – the best quality). To avoid irreversible changes it is recommended in most cases to set the maximum quality (10 – 12), the photo image being saved in this format.

If you intend to send the scanned image through the Internet to the photo service for further editing, I advise doing the following. Scan your photo and save the file in the TIFF format, then make a copy, save it in the JPEG format with the maximum quality, e.g. 12, and send it as a work file. In the process of editing a qualified specialist will be saving your image in the TIFF format while working with it. All the manipulations having been completed, you can ask to be sent the finished file in the JPEG format with the maximum quality. In this case the quality losses will be minimized. In addition to this, uploading your photos by the Internet is a lot more convenient.

I hope you’ve had enough patience to read this article to the end and the information doesn’t seem too complicated. As you have probably noticed, while scanning the main attention was paid to the acquisition of a digital image which contains the maximum possible quantity of undistorted information of the source photograph. Now it is time to have another equally important stage, i.e. to edit the obtained file in the graphics editor.

This presupposes:

• Adjustment of tonal and color correction, brightness and contrast.
• Removal of all possible defects (dust, scratches, breaks, mould, pencil or ink marks etc.) as well as objects and figures.
• Digital restoration of damaged and lost areas of the image.
• Improvement of the resolution (sharpness, definition).
• Use of special artistic effects and various creative techniques.
• Correction of the size (increase and decrease of the initial file).

In effect, having certain skills you will be able to handle all the necessary manipulations, but if you want to get the perfect quality in the end, you had better go another way – apply to the professionals.