What is Capture Australia?

Capture Australia is a photo digitisation service that scans printed photos and albums using proprietary glare-removal technology. We work with a network of partner shops in Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane. Customers drop off their albums or loose prints at a local partner shop, and the shop handles the scanning before returning the originals safely.

Where do I get my photos scanned?

Capture Australia operates through partner shops in Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane. You bring your albums or loose prints to the nearest partner location, leave them for scanning, and collect them once the job is done. Visit captureaus.com/where-to-scan to find your closest shop and its opening hours.

What technology does Capture Australia use to remove glare?

Capture Australia uses a proprietary 8-layer glare-removal process. The scanner captures multiple exposures of each photo through the album plastic sleeve, then processes those layers to strip out glare and reflections. The output is a clear, detailed digital copy, produced without ever removing the photo from the album.

Do my photos need to come out of the album?

No. The scanning technology works through album plastic sleeves and pages, so your photos stay exactly where they are throughout the process. There is no risk of tearing, bending or damaging the originals at any point.

What sizes of photos does Capture Australia scan?

Capture Australia scans printed photos across a wide range of sizes. Small wallet prints, standard 4x6 inch and 5x7 inch photographs, 8x10 portraits and larger prints up to and including large format scanning of framed portraits and artworks, with a capture area of up to 45cm x 70cm. The proprietary scanning equipment is physically installed at each partner shop, built specifically to handle this full size range without removing photos from their sleeves, albums or frames. The same 8-layer glare-removal technology applies at every scale, so the digital output is sharp and consistent whether the print is a pocket-sized snap or a large framed portrait or artwork. Slides, negatives and film require different equipment and some partner shops like Photoland, Camera House and Retromedia offer these services. The wider Capture group covers those formats outside of Australia at capture.com and capture.hk.

How are my digitised photos delivered?

Once scanning is complete, your photos are delivered as high-resolution digital files on a USB drive or via a secure online downloadable link. Confirm the delivery method with your partner shop when you drop off your photos.

Is Capture Australia listed in Google Photos?

Yes. You can find Capture Australia in the Google Photos app import function. In the Google Photos app or website, tap the '+' button, select 'From other places', then choose 'Digitise physical photos' to find us. After we deliver your files via USB or downloadable link, you upload them to your Google Photos account yourself through the app on your own device.

Is the scan quality consistent across all partner shops?

Yes. Every partner shop uses the same Capture Australia proprietary scanning workflow and glare-removal technology, so the output quality is consistent regardless of which location handles the job. Each photo goes through the same multi-layer processing at every shop.

How much does photo scanning cost in Australia?

The cost depends on your situation: the partner shop you use, the size of your collection, whether you need express turnaround, and whether any additional manual steps are involved, such as archival full-page captures or handling unusually fragile prints. Our semi-automated scanning workflow keeps the baseline cost low, because the technology does the heavy lifting on each photo rather than requiring hour-by-hour manual labour. Different partner shops run their own promotions from time to time, and larger collections can qualify for better rates. The best way to get an accurate figure is to contact your nearest partner shop with a rough count of your photos and albums.

Creative Ways to Repurpose Old Photo Albums

Creative Ways to Repurpose Old Photo AlbumsDiscover how to repurpose old photo albums while preserving your precious memories with Capture Australia's digitisation services.

Preserving and Repurposing Memories with Capture Australia

With over 20 years of experience in photo digitisation, Capture Australia understands the significance of preserving your family history. Old photo albums are a treasure trove of memories, but they can degrade over time due to fading, water damage, and other factors common in Australia's diverse climate.

To help you make the most of these cherished keepsakes, we've compiled a list of 15 creative ways to repurpose your old photo albums, preserving the essence of your memories while embracing new forms of enjoyment.

15 Creative Ideas for Old Photo Albums

Reorganise the Photos
Digitise the Photos
Create a Scrapbook
Make a Story Book
Frame the Photos
Create a Family Tree
Share the Photos Online
Use the Photos for Research
Create a Memory Box
Use Photos for Art
Use Photos for Writing
Make a Collage
Donate the Photos to a Museum
Make DIY Gifts with Photos
Use the Photos for Reminiscing

Reorganise the Photos

One straightforward way to breathe new life into old albums is to reorganise them by chronology, person, or occasion. This not only makes them easier to navigate but also allows you to downsize and cherish the moments that matter most.

Digitise the Photos

Converting your old photographs into high-quality digital images is one of the best ways to preserve them. At Capture Australia, our unique glare-removal technology ensures your photos are digitised with the highest quality. This process safeguards your memories from damage and makes sharing them with family across Australia a breeze.

Create a Scrapbook

Transform empty photo albums into vibrant scrapbooks filled with not just photos, but also documents, designs, and personal notes. This creative outlet lets you maintain the vintage charm of your albums while weaving a story that's uniquely yours.

Frame the Photos

Frame your favourite photos to add a personal touch to your home decor. Whether it's a playful school-themed frame or something more luxurious, framed photos make excellent gifts and allow you to enjoy your memories daily.

Create a Family Tree

Using your photo albums to create a visual family tree is a heartfelt way to connect younger generations with their heritage. Begin with the oldest photos and work your way down to the present, crafting a keepsake that celebrates your family's journey.

Other Creative Uses

From creating a memory box or a piece of art to using them as prompts for writing, the possibilities are endless. Consider donating significant historical photos to local Australian museums or turning them into DIY gifts that friends and family will cherish.

Before repurposing your albums, it's worth digitising the photos first so the originals are preserved. If you're in Sydney, Canberra or Brisbane, Capture Australia's partner shops in Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane, can scan your albums and return the originals to you intact, ready for your creative project.

Start Preserving Today

Regardless of how you choose to repurpose your photo albums, ensuring they are digitised with Capture Australia will help protect them for future generations. Our professional services offer a seamless way to preserve your heritage, making it easier to share and enjoy these memories with loved ones across the country.

Take the first step towards preserving your family's legacy today!