While taking pictures of old photos and documents with a digital camera will work, the results are usually less than stellar. I suggest using a scanner, set at the highest resolution possible. Today there are a number of small scanners on the market which can be considered "portable." I use the Canon LiDE 100, which is a flatbed scanner capable of handling items as large as 8.5 X 12 inches at a 1200 DPI resolution. It cost less than $100. Best of all, it is no bigger than the average laptop and will transport easily. A digitized image, scanned at 1200 dpi, is better suited for graphic enhancement using programs such as Photoshop, etc. Explain to your reluctant relatives that all photographs will eventually fade over time; it is the nature of the emulsions and papers used. Only a digitized copy will hold its original (at time of scan) colors and hues. The bonus is that even if the original is not in good shape, the digital copy can be "restored" with a little practice or by a professional studio. Once you have scanned all the photos and documents from any contributor, be sure to copy them all to disk and present them to your benefactor. If they have a favorite, you might have the final version printed and/or framed as your gift to them. Good deeds spread by word of mouth and soon you will have others contacting you to do likewise for them. murf