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About Scott Valentine
Expertise
Most anything about digital post processing (Photoshop, etc), effects, and image restoration, some technical information about digital imaging systems, light and electron microscopy, optical physics and image analysis. I can help with shooting basics, lighting setups, and getting the most out of your digital camera. I am also an 'expert' here for Photoshop (Computers/Technology > Software > Graphics Software > Photoshop). Please - NO operating, trouble-shooting, or purchase questions on point-and-shoot or video cameras.

Experience
Author, "Real World Compositing with Photoshop CS4" (available January 2009 from Peachpit.com). I've been an image analyst and advanced amateur photographer for over 6 years. I run an Adobe user group, focusing on digital media, and have lectured on digital image capture systems. Currently, I am an administrator for a rather large instructional Photoshop forum

Organizations
Adobe User Groups, National Association of Photoshop Professionals, Advanced Imaging Specialists

Publications
CommunityMX.com, Real World Compositing with Photoshop CS4 (Adobe Press)

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Physics, University of California, San Diego

Awards and Honors
Winner: Best in Show and several category first place awards - Imaging Professionals of the Southwest Print Competition (multiple years)

You are here: Experts > Arts/Humanities > Visual Arts > Digital Photography > Recovering deleted pictures

Digital Photography - Recovering deleted pictures

Expert: Scott Valentine - 10/28/2009

Question
Hi, I just came back from a trip and took over 300 pictures, now on my way home, I looked over the pictures on the plane, and they were there...and when I got home, they were still there. But a few hours later I tried to upload them, and a ton of pictures are missing. I have no idea what happened!! I have to individually delete pictures, so I know there is no way it happened accidentally. Is there any way to recover pcitures from a memory card??

Answer
There are several options, Anita. First, you will need to make sure you are not taking ANY more pictures on that card until you have been able to try recovering your images. The next thing is to find out if the card manufacturer offers a utility specifically for the card you are using. Failing that, there are many commercial solutions available in a variety of price ranges. Many of these have demo versions so you can try them out before you buy.

Since you didn't specify your camera or card manufacturer, or operating system (mac, windows, linux, etc.), the quickest answer I can give you is to search online for "photo recovery software". However, I do recommend that you find a good comparison site, rather than just taking the first result. Check sites like dpreview.com or a forum that is focused on your particular kind of camera to see what others recommend.

Here are some that appear to be pretty popular:

http://www.photosrecovery.com/

http://www.nucleustechnologies.com (look for the 'kernel' product)

http://www.diskdoctors.net/photo-recovery.html

Best of luck! And if one application doesn't work, try another. Most importantly, do NOT use the card again until you have recovered your photos (or have tried enough times to know they're just gone).

-Scott

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