Frequently Asked Questions

We know that trusting someone with your personal photographs, media and memories is no small decision. Every photo collection holds stories worth preserving — from personal legacies legacies to historical archives and professional collections. Fotostori offers expert photo digitization services, archival photo preservation and custom photo book design to help safeguard what matters most. 

Here are a few questions we often hear:

Is AI the solution to your photo organizing needs?
AI is a powerful tool not a full automation solution. At Fotostori, we use AI to support parts of the organizing process, like facial recognition, duplicate detection and identifying patterns across large photo libraries. These tools help us work faster and more accurately. But AI can’t physically sort, curate or understand the emotional significance of your memories. That’s where our team comes in — bringing our expertise, care and context that technology simply can’t replace.

How much does working with Fotostori cost?

Each project is custom and based on the size and scope of your collection. Working with Fotostori is an investment in preserving your legacy. If cost is a concern, we recommend starting with a small, focused project.

How does the process work?

We work closely with you every step of the way. After an initial consultation, we will create a personalized plan to curate, digitize, organize and preserve your materials — always with your goals and story in mind.

What happens to my originals after digitization?

We can organize and return them in archival-quality storage, ensuring your physical collection is safely preserved for future generations. If you prefer, we can also securely discard the originals.

What formats can you digitize?

Almost anything – including photo prints, slides, negatives, photo albums, scrapbooks, documents, home movies and memorabilia. If it matters to you, we will find a way to preserve it.

Can I make prints from my scanned photos?

Yes. Our high-resolution photo scans are ideal for printing new copies, enlargements or keepsakes.

Do you create custom photo books?

Yes. Our custom Fotobooks® are designed and produced with the same attention to detail we bring to every part of your project — from curation to design to final printing.

How do you organize digital photo collections?

We create a well-structured, searchable digital photo archive. Photos are organized chronologically, duplicates are removed and key images are tagged so your archive is easy to navigate and enjoy for years to come.

How do you deliver my digital archive?

We deliver your completed digital archive on two external solid-state drives (SSD). We can also provide secure, private cloud access if you would like to easily view and share your collection from anywhere.

Do you offer photo restoration?

Yes. We offer professional photo restoration services to repair and enhance damaged photographs — from fading and discoloration to tears, water damage and more.

Can you digitize audio and preserve home movies?

Yes. We digitize a wide range of formats — including film, VHS, DVDs and others — helping you preserve both visual and audio memories in modern formats.

Founders Take

Q&A with Ann Sullivan
Founder of Fotostori

Q: What inspired you to launch Fotostori?
Ann: Over the years, my professional organizing work often led us to boxes of old photos, tapes and keepsakes—beautiful but buried. Clients would ask, “What do I do with all of this?” I realized there was a real need for a service that treated personal memories with the same white-glove care we brought to their homes through Ann Sullivan Inc. Fotostori was a natural next step—born from that need and built with the same attention to detail. Today, we combine expert photo digitization, archival preservation and storytelling into a trusted, bespoke experience.

Q: How is Fotostori different from other photo services?
Ann: We are not a bulk scanning company. Fotostori is bespoke. We don’t just digitize—we curate, organize and preserve with precision and artistry. Every project is personal, private and designed to reflect a client’s unique story. Whether it’s a custom Fotobook® or a digital archive that’s searchable and beautifully arranged, we make the process easy and stress-free.

Q: What kind of client is Fotostori designed for?
Ann: Our clients value privacy, quality and attention to detail. Many have multiple homes and decades of materials scattered across formats—photos, slides, VHS tapes, home movies and memorabilia. They want everything brought together into one curated digital archive or custom photo book that is beautifully preserved and easily accessible. That is exactly what our team does.

Q: What surprises clients most about the process?
Ann: Two things. First, how emotional it is to revisit these memories in a new, organized form. And second, how relieved they feel knowing everything is safe, searchable and no longer hiding in boxes. There is a sense of peace that comes with having your legacy beautifully preserved and at your fingertips.

Q: What would you say to someone overwhelmed by their collection?

Ann: You don’t need to sort it all yourself. That is our job. Whether you have boxes in the attic, albums in multiple homes or fragile media that needs careful digitization, we will help you make sense of it—and create something beautiful, lasting and secure.

Ready to curate, preserve and share your story with Fotostori? From photo digitization to archival preservation to custom Fotobooks®, our team is here to safeguard your memories with care.

Let’s work together to curate, preserve and share your most meaningful memories.