So, I was cleaning out a bunch of files on my hard drive that mostly pertained to when I paper-scrapped, but some were still good advice (some are just for fun, too), so I'm sharing here! 
Scrapbook Tips
• When journaling, be sure to include the following:
• Names
• Dates
• Places
• What's happening in the photo?
• How was the weather?
• Record something meaningful or funny that was said.
• Use the internet to search for poems and quotes to use on your scrapbook pages. Mount stickers onto squares of card stock before adhering to page to give a look of unity.
• Save your scraps... they work great for punches and paper piecing.
• Use die cuts as a journaling template.
• Use a computer to type your title or journaling and print it onto card stock or vellum.
• As soon as a roll of film is developed, record the details on an index card & store the card with the photos. When the time comes to scrapbook the photos, you will have all the information you need and journaling will be much easier.
• Vellum is great for creating water, balloons, clouds or anything translucent in real life.
• Paper tearing is easy when you take a paintbrush dipped in water and run it along the paper where you want it torn.
• If your background paper is too bold, just add a piece of vellum on top to soften the look.
• Be careful when cropping your photos. Make sure you're not cutting off anything that future generations would like to see (i.e. cars, houses)
• Make sure your photos are the main focus of your page. Don't let them be overpowered by embellishments.
HA! "as soon as a roll of film is developed..." that made me giggle! I recently found a bag of exposed but undeveloped film rolls from several years ago....i've been debating if its worth getting them developed!
And I love the last tip. I wish more people followed that. To me, the pics are the whole point scrapping!
HAHA!! I too found 2 old disposable cameras while packing to move. I really think I might get them developed, I really want to see what they are (plus more photos to scrap!) I bet the people at the store will look at me like I have 2 heads when I bring film in!!
My mom once found a couple of rolls of undeveloped films (35mm). She had them developed but they were all sepia in color: that were at least 20 years old (and that was 30 years ago!). It was definitely a surprise for her as she had no clue what would have been on those films!
Oh my goodness - I used to be a paper scrapper, I loved it then it just became too overwhelming. My husband is actually the one who suggested that I try digital and I am glad that I did. I haven't looked back and I even sold and gave away all of my paper scrapping supplies (which was A LOT of stuff). Just reading some of the things on that list stresses me out.
I love digital, but I still have a box full of all my negatives from way back.
Oh I still have lots and lots of photos and the like just not any scrapbooking papers, stamps, stickers, brads & etc.
After my mom died a few years ago, we found a roll of undeveloped film of from BEFORE she and my father were married (it had an address label on with with her maiden name on it)--so it probably dates back to the late 1960's! I have found a couple of places that may be able to develop it for me, but haven't done it yet. Of course, it might not be any good at all, but who knows what could be on it?
Most places now offer the option of a digital cd copy of your film. It cost extra but for me that would be worth it since I digi-scrap exclusively now. I am sure I have undeveloped film in my storage, lol
I have a ton of photos that my hubby is S-L-O-W-L-Y! scanning so that I can scrap them. Most of them are from before our marriage, early days of marriage, kids when they were small and college & school days....funny clothes, hair & shoes, not to say the least!!!
Chitra's comment about s-l-o-w-l-y scanning made me wonder - What are the pros and cons of scanning photos vs. taking a picture of them with you digital camera? I have boxes and boxes, that need to be tackled.
I honestly have no idea, Jenny...but what I have found is that, the scanned pics need to be cleaned up, or sharpened & brightened...using them as is doesn't make the LO pop...I think if I want all that then I have to get into the nitty gritty of PS, a no-no, as I'm just getting to know or take it to the professional guy, who I'm pretty sure will charge an arm & a leg!!! Don't know if he takes a photo of them or scans them or just does them in PS.
I had a few done of my parents wedding photos & it cost me quite a bit...so I'm not all that in a hurry to get them scanned & touched up professionally...but I'm sure the results will be great.
OR go onto Youtube and learn how to touch up old photos......eeeeek!!!
A nice flatbed scanner with a high resolution will allow you to key into the fine points of the picture. You can also select the area to scan and block out the white or black borders. It will also allow you to adjust the histogram, the levels, the black and white adjustments. This will also cut down on how much you may have to clean up the picture.
This is something that a camera shot will not do. But if it is the only way to get the picture than that is the option. Most digital shots need to be cleaned up also.
Thanks for the feedback. Are there settings you always go to when you begin scanning? I have learned that starting projects the right way saves work in the end. The saying "work smarter, not harder" is one of my favorites. However, I usually jump in and work harder. I appreciate you both giving advice that made me realize I don't just want to jump into this project. (I was thinking photographing the originals would save me time on cropping ~ hadn't even considered I might need additional adjustments outside my skill level!)
Most scanners have advanced settings. This is where you usually find the adjustments possible. Do a preview first to see the image. Select the area you want to scan. Than adjust the image to your liking. Last scan.
After you scan the image you can start working on the image. In Photoshop there is a filter under Filter > Noise > Dust & Scratches. This will clean up some of the minor dust or speckled look to the image. Play with it. But the higher the number the more the image may blur. I usually stay low here around 3. Than work with the threshold and see how the image looks.
Now I clean up any large scratches, deterioration, stains, etc. I use different healing tools found on the tool bar to the left. Zoom in to get a closer look. It helps to see what you are working on.
When that is done I do adjustments. First I adjust the Black and white points using the histogram again. If I am happy with all I stop here. Or I may use a Photo filter. All are found in Photoshop Image > Adjustments OR Image > Photo Filter.
Have fun scanning.