How much does it cost to restore a photo?

At PhotoFixRestore we can digitally restore most photos for $39. To colorize a photo from black and white to color the charge is just an extra $19.50 Our museum-quality prints are made in our Southern California location, starting from $7.50 for a 4x6. And if you have any revisions or requests we will satisfy them free of charge!
For a precise estimate, email us your photograph at peter@heritagedelivers.com or upload it through our website and we will tell you what we can do with our expert photo restoration techniques!

Can Water damaged photos be repaired or restored?
Most professionally produced photographs, slides, and negatives can become soaked in water and still survive with enough detail that they can be repaired. They may be “tide” marks and water residue, but if the only issue is exposure to water, then the prognosis is often good. We have fixed many water damaged photos to appear as if they had never been submerged in the first place.

What about sun faded photos?
This is quite a common problem for old photos that have been exposed to sunlight. The cyan and blue tones are more sensitive, often leaving a predominately red or magenta hue. These photos can be retouched and restored to their original glory.

Can a black and white photo be colorized?
Black and white photos can be beautiful reminders of our heritage and family history. The magic in colorizing an old photo lies in seeing these people from the past transformed into modern day color. For more about how photo colorization works and what excites us most about adding color to an old photo, check out our blog.

 

Does Walgreens do photo restoration?
Yes Walgreens as well as a number or other retailers such Costco offer volume photo repair services. While they might be effective for marginal improvements, for the highest quality it is recommended to work with an expert.
At PhotoFixRestore we offer a high quality guarantee. We have been honing our photo restoration techniques for over 15 years, and we pride ourselves on delivering state-of-the-art photographs!

Will photo restoration affect the original photo?
No, we never physically alter the original photo. What we do to restore is either scan it at our Orange County location or work on a digital copy, and then produce a new fully restored photograph.

Can you add or remove people from a photo?
Yes we can! Removing and adding people from a photo is a fairly common request we have fulfilled for our clients over the years. To read about what our clients have said about our work, see our Reviews and Testimonials Page!

Do you make me a print or do I have to arrange that myself?
We pride ourselves on our custom print quality and archive quality papers. While you can print yourself at a local Walgreens or Costco, our prices and quality are extremely competitive.

How large can I increase the size of my photo?
If the image is small but sharp, you can often go as large as 8" x 10".  Small photo booth shots - or passport images - are usually very high quality and can be enlarged 400% - 500%.

What are my size options?
If you wish to use a standard frame for your restored photo then the sizes to consider are 4" x 6", 5" x 7", 8" x 10", 11" x 14", 12" x 16" and 16" x 20". We can also restore and print panoramas up to 13" wide and long, long, long.

How long does it take?
Generally two or three days.  

I am kind of fussy...
So are we - that's why people use us!  If you have had a poor experience with one of the volume photo repairers (Costco or Walgreens) then let us do better. 

Do you restore the actual damaged original image?
No.  Physical restoration cannot approach the excellent results achievable with today's digital tools.

Do I get to see a proof before payment?
You always get a pdf preview showing "before and after" of your restored or repaired photo and only once we have your approval do we print and get payment.

Can I get digital copies?
Naturally - just ask - any format you want.

What paper choices do you have for prints?
We have matte, semi gloss, luster and full gloss.  We also have some very nice archive quality, cotton rag fine art papers. By and large we try to match the original.  (Keep in mind that the deepest blacks and brightest whites come with the gloss and luster options.)   

How much does a full repair or restoration - with before and after preview, custom printing, return shipping and a high resolution digital file - cost?
We try to restore and return all images for $39. If the damage is very extensive it is possible the cost will be higher - but only with your approval first. For large jobs or multiple images we are happy to discuss volume pricing. Veterans receive a 10% discount.

If I am going to scan - what settings should I use?
We recommend always scanning your photo larger than you may presently need.  For slides and negatives, at least 2400dpi.  For small photographs (< 4" x 6") use at least 720 dpi; for 6" x 4" or 5" x 7" use at least 600 dpi; for images larger than 5" x 7" use at least 400 dpi. Higher is always better and always scan in color and with the "photo" setting.

Any suggestions for packaging for mailing or courier?

Place your photo between two sheets of stout cardboard, allowing some overlap of the cardboard.  Tape the edges - being careful not to tape the photograph.

Place the cardboard/photo sandwich in a dedicated photo/document mailer - like the kind US Post or Scotch sells. We have not had any issues with US Post or the major private couriers but responsibility for loss rests with you. 

You should only choose the method of delivery security that makes the most sense to you and where possible create a digital backup before sending.