How do I place an order?
Most people start by sending us an email describing the photos that they wish to have restored. There are no forms to be completed.
How long does it take to complete my order?
A single photo with moderate damage can be completed in one or two days, but in general, it depends on the number of phototgraphs submitted and the amount of damage that each contain. It will take at least a week for the order to reach you by regular mail. Rush orders can be requested.
What will I receive back when I place an order?
The customer receives a restored digital photo file for each photograph submitted, a print of each restored photograph and the unmodified original photographs.
Do you alter the originals?
No. Your original will be returned to you unmodified.
Can I send you a photo in a frame?
We prefer to have the customer send the photograph in the frame only if the photo cannot be removed without further significant damage. We have had success scanning framed photos. Please note that sending a framed photograph will increase your mailing costs significantly.
My photos have severe mold or stain damage which has destroyed some of the original image. Can you restore these?
Yes. The missing areas in the photos can be restored by using the adjacent background. If the damage affects a large area of the photograph, we can restore it using infomation that you provide.
Can I see the results of the restoration before the prints are made?
Yes! If you wish, we will email you a proof of the restoration for your review and approval.
Is it safe to use the mail system?
We have had very good success with the US Post Office and have not lost an item in the mail to date. The post office offers various ways to track you package, such as Track & Confirm by email, Return Receipt, Certified Mail, Insured Mail and Registered Mail, all for an additional fee. Remember that you have the option of sending us a good quality scan copy by email or computer disc instead of the original photograph.
What is the advantage of archiving photos to computer disc?
No matter how carefully photographs are stored, they will deteriorate with age. Digital copies archived to CD for long term storage and safe keeping will not. Once repaired, photographs stored on CD can easily be viewed as a slidshow on your computer. Having digital copies will allow you to easily distribute your entire photo collection to family members and store a copy in a safe place such as a bank vault.
What is the difference between glossy and non glossy (Matte) photo paper?
Glossy photo prints have a shiny finish while non glossy (Matte) prints have a duller, neutral look. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Most old photographs were printed on matte paper while modern ones are usually printed on glossy paper. If you are restoring very old black and white pictures, you should use a matte finish. For newer color pictures, a glossy paper is more appealing to the eye.
What is the difference between acid free photo paper and archival quality photo paper?
There are various standards for acid free paper, but in general, acid free means that the paper has a pH between 7 (neutral) to 14 (the highest number on the pH scale). Today, most commercially produced paper is acid free and when used in photographs, will last much longer than normal paper. Archival quality paper conforms to the rigid standards used by curators when they are handling very rare items and is rated to last at least 50 years without showing signs of aging. Archival quality paper will not help your photographs last longer than acid free paper since these only work to help preserve items when they are used with archival techniques, which include temperature controlled environments, controlled light levels, gloved handling and many other things that the average household simply does not have the ability to do.