Photo Restoration Services

There is nothing that can replace memories. Photographs are our best link to things past. Photographs can be easily damaged, however. Many people have photographs in improper storage containers which can lead to the deterioration of these memories. The best ways to store photographs is in albums that have individual page protectors. Old photo albums cause a lot of damage to photographs. The glue used to hold the picture in place often makes removal of the photo impossible without tearing the picture. Also, the plastic that covered the picture turns the picture yellow and makes it brittle. With individual page protectors, the pictures are not glued into place saving them from damage.

If you choose not to keep your picture in an album, an air tight container is another option. Air tight containers keep moister, insects, dust, and other harmful things from your pictures. Store your photos out of direct light, especially sunlight. Sunlight can damage photos beyond repair. Also, store your photos in a climate controlled area. Attics and basements, with their varied ranges of temperatures, are not conducive to preserving pictures. The best way to store already damaged pictures is in an acid free container in a bedroom closet. Acid free containers can be purchased from specialty stores upon request. Handle damaged photos with care. Using gloves, cloth or latex, reduces the damage oils on your hands and fingers may cause. Do not take old and damaged photographs out of their containers on a regular basis. The best preservation is letting them be. Too much handling can make your pictures worthless.

Professional restoration can become a very expensive task. Photo restoration used to be something that was never considered a do it yourself project. With todays technology and advanced printers with scanners anything is possible. You will not be working with the original but a computerized version. This can be done by a photoshop program of your choice some of which are included when buying computers and printers. By scanning the original and saving it you can open it into that special program. First you need to adjust the tone making adjustments to your liking. Save the image after adjusting. By creating next a new layer you can then use the Smudge Tool which fixes minor scratches, tears, and take dust off of your photo. If your picture still needs some minor detailing tools such as the “Spot Healing Brush Tool” to take blemishes away and the “Clone Stamp Tool” which helps to restore areas. These are available but not often needed.