Although you can use a very high resolution JPEG mode to capture print, this capability is a necessity for copying printed or handwritten documents with the greatest clarity. If you will be making copy photographs of pictures or documents at a reunion, you will want a camera capable of getting very close to the object being photographed. Some cameras will allow you to stay in focus as close as four inches from the subject. The camera must be exactly parallel to the photograph you are copying so there is no distortion of the image. Alternatively, you can try standing the photograph up flat against a wall or other vertical surface, keeping the tripod mounted camera parallel to the image.
Most digital cameras come with an electronic flash unit built in to their body.
Often, when copying photographs you will want to turn this off completely in order to reduce reflections from the glossy surface of photographic prints. A color photograph copied under incandescent or fluorescent lighting will give a color cast to your image. A white balance control can help compensate for this. If your camera does not have a white balance, try to use daylight to retain the original color balance. Remember, do not leave old photographs in direct sunlight for more than a brief period of time necessary to snap the picture.