Photo Restoration

Do you have old, damaged family photos you thought were beyond repair? Many of us cherish vintage photographs, but time often takes its toll. From scratches and tears to fading or even photos ripped in half, it’s easy to feel like these treasures are lost forever. The good news? Professional photo restoration can bring your precious memories back to life.

Step 1: Contact Me

The first step in the photo restoration process is to reach out via email. I’ll need to see a copy of your photo, even if it’s just a quick snapshot taken with your phone. This allows me to assess the damage and discuss your specific needs, including any restoration goals and colour preferences for the final image.

Step 2: Drop-Off and Scanning

Once we’ve discussed your project, we’ll arrange a time for you to drop off your photos at my home studio. I use a high-resolution, professional-grade scanner to capture every detail of your original photo. This step ensures the best possible quality for the digital restoration process. Using Adobe Photoshop, I meticulously restore your photo to meet your specifications, paying close attention to every detail.

Step 3: Choose Your Color Option

You have three colour options for your restored photo:

1. Original Colours: I’ll preserve the colours as they appear in the original photograph.

2. Black and White: Convert your photo to a timeless black-and-white image.

3. Full Colorisation: Bring your photo to life with full colorisation. For this option, I’ll need details like eye colour, clothing colours, and other specific information.

Step 4: Approval and Delivery

Once the restoration work is complete, I’ll send you a low-resolution proof of the restored photo for your approval. After you’re happy with the result, I’ll invoice you for the work. Restoration is billed hourly and does not include prints. Once payment is received, I’ll provide a high-resolution digital copy of your photo. You can also arrange to collect your original photo and any prints you’ve ordered.

High-Quality Photo Prints

If you’d like a physical print of your restored photo, I work with a professional Australian print lab to deliver stunning results. I offer various print sizes, and framing options are also available for those who want to display their restored memories at home. If you’re unsure about sizing, I can provide a size and price list to help you choose. Please note that outsourced printing includes a postage/shipping fee.

Make an Inquiry Today

Ready to restore your cherished memories? Contact me through the form on my website or email me directly at info@photodesignbyhannah.com for more details, including pricing and turnaround times.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is photo restoration?

Photo restoration involves digitally repairing and enhancing damaged, faded, or deteriorated photographs to bring them back to their original state or better.

2. How does the restoration process work?

I carefully scan your photo, digitally repair any damage (such as tears, stains, or missing sections), and enhance its overall quality before delivering a high-resolution digital file or printed version.

3. Do you work with physical photos, or can you restore digital ones too?

I can restore both! For physical photos, I scan them first. For digital photos, you can send me the file directly.

4. What types of damage can you fix?

I can repair tears, creases, fading, water stains, mould, discolouration, and even missing sections of the image.

5. Can you restore colour to black-and-white photos?

Yes, I offer colourisation services for black-and-white photos, adding lifelike colours while maintaining the photo’s authenticity.

6. Will my original photo be altered or damaged?

Absolutely not. Your original photo is scanned and returned to you in the same condition it was received. All restoration is done digitally.

7. What happens if my photo is too large for a standard scanner?

For larger photos, I scan them in sections and digitally stitch the pieces together to create a seamless image.

8. What resolution do you scan the photos at?

I use a high-resolution scanner to capture the finest details, ensuring the best possible restoration quality.

9. How long does the restoration process take?

Restoration times vary depending on the extent of the damage, but most projects are completed within 2-3 weeks.

10. How much does photo restoration cost?

Prices depend on the level of damage and complexity of the restoration. I’ll provide a detailed quote after reviewing your photo.

11. Can I get a print of the restored photo?

Yes, I work with a high-quality Australian print lab to produce stunning prints on various papers, including matte, glossy, and fine art. Prints are not included in the price of restoration. They are a separate product.

12. What sizes are available for prints?

Prints are available in a wide range of sizes. Let me know your preferred dimensions, and I’ll ensure the restored photo fits perfectly.

13. Will the restored photo look exactly like the original?

The goal is to closely replicate the original, but some enhancements may improve clarity and detail. I always aim to preserve the photo’s original character.

14. Can you work on multiple photos at once?

Yes, I can restore multiple photos and even create collages or custom designs if requested.

15. Do you offer digital copies of the restored photos?

Yes, you’ll receive a high-resolution digital file of your restored photo, perfect for sharing or archiving.

16. Can you restore photos from negatives or slides?

Absolutely! I can scan and restore images from negatives, film or slides, depending on their condition.

17. What if my photo has severe damage—can it still be restored?

In most cases, even severely damaged photos can be restored. I’ll assess your photo and let you know what’s possible.