RESTORATION, PRESERVATION & ARCHIVING
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RESTORATION FAQ
Here are some of our most common questions about photo restoration process and services, such as:
- How long does it take to restore a photograph?
- How much does it cost to restore a photograph?
- Can I e-mail you a scan of a photograph to be restored?
- Can you restore the original photograph instead of making a digital copy?
- I have a document signed by one of the Presidents of the United States but the signature has faded. Can you make the signature visible again?
- Can you enlarge a small photograph?
- Is it possible to change a background on an old photograph?
- How do I protect old photographs and documents from fading?
- How long do the digital prints last?
- Can I make additional prints from digital files myself?
- How safe is it to mail my photograph or documents?
- Do you keep digital copies, and for how long?
- Do you offer film processing and scanning services?
If you need more information, please email restoration@preserveyourpast.org. We will be happy to answer your questions and help you get started with your photo restoration or preservation project.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RESTORE A PHOTOGRAPH?
Typically, restoring a photograph takes between 10 and 15 business days . However, if a photograph is significantly damaged or if we are working on a large project, the restoration may take longer. Please keep in mind that during peak seasons, increased demand may also affect turnaround times.
Clients are encouraged to submit their photographs for restoration well in advance of holidays such as Veterans Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
While we do not offer "rush" services, we may be able to expedite a project for an additional fee to help meet your deadline.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RESTORE A PHOTOGRAPH?
Every restoration presents its own unique challenges. We can provide an estimate only after carefully examining the original photograph and discussing your specific needs, including how you would like the original item to be treated.
For digital restorations, we also consider factors such as the quality and size of the final print, as well as options for display, mounting, and framing.
To obtain an estimate, we invite you to schedule an appointment so that we can assess your photographs and answer any questions you may have about the restoration process.
CAN I SEND YOU A SCAN OF A PHOTOGRAPH TO BE RESTORED?
If you are unable to bring a photograph to the studio or send the original to us for restoration, you can email a scan or send a thumb drive containing a high-resolution scan file.
We recommend scanning photographs at a minimum resolution of 600 dpi or higher if the photograph will be enlarged. The image should always be scanned in full color, even if the original photograph is black and white.
Please keep in mind, however, that producing a high-quality scan is one of the most important first steps in the photo restoration process. Unlike many discount photo restoration services that rely on low-quality scanners and attempt to correct imperfections, low resolution, or color shifts later in Photoshop, Sebastian Wintermute uses professional, high-quality equipment designed to capture even the smallest details and most subtle color variations in the original photograph. These details are essential for achieving high-quality photo restoration and accurate art reproduction.
To see the difference in quality between images produced with a professional high-resolution photo scanner and those produced with a common scanner, you can examine the two scans of the same photograph.
Both scans were made at 600 dpi.
The scan on the left was made with a common all-in-one printer/copier/scanner. The scan on the right was made with a calibrated professional photo scanner specifically configured for high-quality output.
The professional photo scanner produced a much sharper image with better color balance and saturation. When magnified, even the smallest details remain visible, while the image produced by the common scanner shows noticeably blurred details.
CAN YOU RESTORE THE ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPH INSTEAD OF MAKING A DIGITAL COPY?
Traditional photo retouching services are offered on a case-by-case basis. If an original photograph has only minor damage, it may still be possible to reduce the appearance of scratches and other imperfections through the careful application of retouching spot tones.
A common misconception about photo restoration is that skilled restorers of the past had an extraordinary ability to repair and revive original photographs, regardless of their condition.
This is not entirely true. While a proficient restorer could address minor issues such as scratches, small marks, and tears, significant damage generally required creating a copy of the original image.
Typically, the process involved photographing the original image onto a special copy film, such as Kodak Professional Copy Film 4125, designed specifically for retouching. After creating a copy, the photo restorer would carefully retouch the negative, removing visible damage and imperfections with specialized tools and pencils. Once the retouching was complete, the negative would be printed onto photographic paper, resulting in a restored version of the damaged photograph.
Today, instead of creating a negative from the original photograph, a high-quality digital file is produced by scanning the image with a professional scanner. After the digital file has been carefully retouched, the restored image can be printed on specially designed fine art papers that offer superior quality and longevity compared with traditional photographic papers..
I HAVE A DOCUMENT SIGNED BY ONE OF THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES, BUT THE SIGNATURE HAS FADED.
CAN YOU MAKE THE SIGNATURE VISIBLE AGAIN?
Yes. A high-quality reproduction can be produced with the signature and other details restored to their original appearance.
Please note that your original document will not be altered, as doing so could compromise its historical value and authenticity.
Sebastian Wintermute strictly adheres to the Conservators Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice and will never alter the appearance of an original photograph or document of cultural or historical significance.
CAN YOU ENLARGE A SMALL PHOTOGRAPH?
Yes, unless a photograph is severely damaged, blurry, or out of focus. Most passport- or wallet-size photographs can be enlarged to 4×6 or 5×7 inches, while photographs of those sizes can generally be enlarged to 8×10 or 11×14 inches.
A greater increase in size may result in a loss of detail and make the film grain and texture of the original photograph more noticeable.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO CHANGE A BACKGROUND ON AN OLD PHOTOGRAPH?
With skill and artistry, it is possible to replace a background or remove a person from a photograph without making the image appear artificially altered. It is also possible to change the lighting, colors, or style of clothing, as well as the appearance of other elements within a photograph.
However, no photo retouching is performed to alter the appearance or content of photographs of cultural or historical significance, as such alterations would violate professional codes of conduct and established ethical standards.
HOW DO I PROTECT OLD PHOTOGRAPHS AND DOCUMENTS FROM FADING?
To prolong the life of your photographs and documents and prevent further deterioration, store your originals in archival, acid-free envelopes and boxes, which can be purchased from most art supply and framing stores.
Keep photographs and documents in an environment with stable temperature and humidity. Avoid storing them in garages, attics, basements, or near fireplaces and windows.
When displaying photographs or documents, use frames with UV-protective glass or glazing. Keep them away from direct sunlight and prolonged exposure to fluorescent light.
If your photographs or documents are framed, never use chemical cleaners or solvents on the protective glass or frame. Chemicals can seep through openings between the glass and frame and cause damage to the artwork or document.
Use only a clean, soft cloth or paper towel lightly dampened with water to clean frames and glass. If a frame or its glass becomes damaged, take it to a professional framing shop for repair and specify that archival materials should be used for mats and mounting.
HOW LONG DO THE DIGITAL PRINTS LAST?
All photographs and documents restored by Sebastian Wintermute are printed on fine art archival papers using specially formulated archival inks. With proper care and appropriate display conditions, these prints may last for more than 150 years.
If your restored photograph or document becomes damaged, a new print can be made from the archived digital file without having to pay for the original restoration again.
Upon request, digital copies of the original and restored images can be recorded onto an archival CD or DVD. Unless physically damaged, these discs can be stored, viewed, and copied without loss of digital image quality for many years.
CAN I MAKE ADDITIONAL PRINTS FROM DIGITAL FILES MYSELF?
To provide the highest possible quality and longevity, Sebastian Wintermute uses fine art archival papers and specially formulated archival inks for digital prints.
However, an acceptable-quality print with reasonable longevity can also be produced using a home computer and printer.
For advice on printing photo-quality images, please refer to the instructions and recommendations provided by your printer manufacturer.
HOW SAFE IS IT TO MAIL MY PHOTOGRAPH OR DOCUMENTS?
Please send all packages via FedEx or UPS.
The U.S. Postal Service has proven less reliable for shipping valuable photographs and documents, and insurance cannot truly compensate for the loss of an irreplaceable original.
Place each photograph or document in an individual envelope, separating items with sturdy pieces of cardboard for additional protection. Request a shipping receipt and tracking number. Do not send framed photographs or documents, as there is a risk that the glass may break during transit.
We recommend purchasing full insurance coverage, requesting a direct signature upon delivery, and placing highly visible notes on the outside of the package requesting careful handling.
Sebastian Wintermute is not responsible for items that are lost or damaged during shipping and reserves the right to refuse work or revise an estimate in such circumstances.
DO YOU KEEP DIGITAL COPIES OF PHOTOGRAPHS AND FOR HOW LONG?
All digital scans and files of original photographs, as well as restored images, are retained for 90 days from the completion of the project.
Sebastian Wintermute will make reasonable efforts to contact the original owners to arrange the return of any physical items within 90 days of the completion of the work.
Any physical items left unclaimed for more than 90 days will be considered abandoned.
Do you offer film processing and scanning services?
Preserve Your Past DOES NOT sell or develop 35mm color or BW film.
For disposable cameras, 120mm and 35mm film sales, film processing, and 35mm film scanning, please visit:
LUSTER PHOTO
121 Avenue ANew York, NY 10009
(212) 979 - 1669
www.lusterphoto.com
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