Photo restoration FAQs
Questions about restoring your photographs
From damaged originals and scanning to colourisation, pricing, proofs and finished prints, these are the questions we’re most often asked. If your photograph is unusual or you’re simply not sure what it needs, send us an image and we’ll take a look.
Restoration & your original
What can be restored?
What is photo restoration, and how does it work?
Photo restoration is a digital process. We create a high-quality digital copy of your photograph and carry out the restoration on that file, so your original remains untouched. Learn more about photo restoration.
What types of damage can be repaired?
Tears, creases, fading, stains, water damage, scratches and missing areas can often be repaired. What is achievable depends on how much usable detail remains in the photograph, so the best starting point is to let us see it.
Will my original photograph be altered?
No. Restoration work is carried out on a digital copy. Your physical photograph remains unchanged.
Can you combine elements from more than one photograph?
Sometimes. People, backgrounds or other elements can sometimes be combined, but the result depends on the quality, angle, lighting and resolution of the source photographs. Send us the images and we can advise what is realistic.
What if I’m not satisfied with the restoration?
You’ll see a proof before final payment. Restoration can be subjective, particularly where faces or missing detail are involved, so we welcome feedback and can discuss reasonable adjustments before the work is finalised.
Scanning & source material
Getting the photograph to us
A good source image gives us the best possible starting point. We can work from digital files and many physical photographic formats.
What formats can you work with?
We can work with physical prints, digital images, negatives and slides. If you’re unsure what you have, send us a photograph of it and we’ll advise you.
Do you offer scanning for physical photographs?
Yes. We use high-quality scanning equipment to capture as much useful detail as possible. Some damaged or highly reflective photographs may need a different capture technique.
Can you work with damaged negatives or slides?
Yes. Negatives and slides can be scanned and the resulting digital image can then be assessed for restoration.
How should I send an original photograph?
Protect it between two pieces of sturdy card, place it inside a waterproof bag and then use a suitable padded or rigid envelope. Marking the package “DO NOT BEND” adds another useful precaution.
Quotes, timing & payment
Before we begin
How do I get a quote?
Use our request a quote form to send an image or scan and tell us what you’d like us to do. We’ll assess the photograph and provide a no-obligation quote before work begins.
How much does photo restoration cost?
The cost depends on the amount and complexity of the work required. Small repairs can be inexpensive, while extensive reconstruction takes considerably more time. See our price guide for guidance, or send the photograph for an individual quote.
How long does a restoration take?
It varies with the complexity of the photograph and our current workload. We’ll give you an expected timeframe when we assess and quote the work.
What payment methods do you accept?
Payment can be made by credit or debit card, PayPal or bank transfer.
Colour, prints & framing
After the restoration
The finished image can remain digital, be colourised, printed, mounted or framed.
Can you add colour to a black-and-white photograph?
Yes. Colourisation is carried out digitally and can be guided by information you know about clothing, uniforms, locations or other details. Explore photo colourisation.
What are Giclée fine art prints?
Giclée printing is a high-quality inkjet printing process suited to detailed photographic and fine art reproduction. We offer fine art printing for restored and colourised photographs. View fine art prints.
Do you offer mounting and framing?
Yes. We can supply mounts and frames so your restored photograph arrives as a finished piece. View framing and mount options.
How will I receive the finished restoration?
Digital restorations can be supplied electronically. Physical prints, framed work and original photographs are securely packaged for return delivery.
Still have a question?
Show us the photograph
Every photograph is different. If you can’t find the answer here, send us the image and tell us what you’d like to achieve. We’ll explain what we think is possible before you decide.
Request a free quote