FAQ
Put simply, it means we make a digital copy of your original image and then restore it. We use the latest technologies and equipment available to scan your original images and then do all the restoration work digitally on the computer.
Scanning is the process of “Digitizing” your original photo, slide, or negative by converting it into a digital file. Your original item is placed in a scanner and a “digital picture” is created and saved in the computer. The newly created digital file can then be restored in the computer and used to make new photo prints or shared with family and friends.
Storing all your photos, slides, negatives, documents and albums takes up a lot of room and they are susceptible to damage from handling, exposure to light, and natural disasters such as fire, floods, or tornadoes. We can scan all your treasured family memories and save new “Digital Files” to a Flash Drive, which takes up much less room and safely stores your new “digital pictures” protecting them from further degradation or damage. You can also make multiple copies of the Flash Drive and store them in a safe place further protecting the digital copies of your treasured family memories from loss or damage due to natural disasters.
No, with the new digital technologies, the process of scanning and restoring is faster and better than the old traditional methods making it very affordable. We offer free, no obligation estimates and the final price will not exceed the quote we give you. Check our Services pages for our current prices or give us a call and we will be happy to answer all your questions.
Almost anything. Rips and tears, fading, water damage, lost image areas, silver oxidation, and almost any type of photographic flaws (glass glare, red eye, blinking, etc.). We can usually restore even the most severely damaged photos, so before you throw away your damaged family memory, stop by for a free no obligation estimate.
Most of the time the answer is yes. We have restored images that were extensively damaged by fires, floods, and tornadoes as well as from fading, water damage, mold, rips, tears, missing pieces, and creases. There have been a few times in over 35 years that the damage was too extensive for us to restore, so in order to determine if and what can be done and give you an accurate estimate of cost, we would need to see the original. Check out our Gallery to see samples of restorations we have completed.
No, your original is carefully prepared and every effort is made to minimize the amount of handling required to safely scan your original without causing damage. We are professionals with over 35 years of scanning experience and in all that time we have never damaged a customer’s original. If you prefer not to leave your original with us, you can set up an appointment to have your original scanned while you wait and then take it home with you.
We do not recommend that you try to remove pictures that are stuck to the glass or stuck in an album. Trying to do so can cause extensive damage to the surface of the picture that might not be able to be restored. We recommend that you bring us the frame or album and we will determine the best way to scan the pictures and provide you with a free no obligation estimate.
Rarely are we able to do any restoration work on an original photograph. We scan your damaged original photo and then all restoration work is done digitally on the computer. We then save a digital file to a Flash Drive from which new prints can be made.
No, once your items are scanned, we save them to a Flash Drive and you can have prints made anywhere you like. We do offer specialty printing on archival papers and custom print sizes that might not be available elsewhere.
Maybe. Pictures taken by a professional photographer are copyrighted and can’t be reproduced without their permission. We abide by all copyright laws and will not scan and reproduce copyrighted images without a written copyright release from the photographer. Images that are older than 50 years or if the photographer is no longer in business are usually no longer protected by copyright laws. If you are unsure if your image is copyright protected or need help in obtaining a copyright release, stop in with the image and we can help you find out.
That depends on how many items are being scanned and restored and the extent of the damage. Our normal turnaround time is 2 to 3 weeks but may be longer during high volume times. An estimate of cost and a completion date will be provided free of charge and without obligation.
We use the best professional computers, scanners and software programs that enable us to capture the best possible image from our scanners and provide the highest quality restoration work. We also have over 50 years of combined photographic art, photo restoration, and scanning experience, all of which is used to provide you with the highest quality of scans and restorations available.
Yes, but we do not recommend it. There is always the chance that your irreplaceable pictures can get lost or damaged during shipment. If you still want to send items to us, we advise that you use a shipping service that will track your package such as FedEx or UPS. We are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items if you choose to ship them to us.
That depends on if the album is acid free and archival. Unfortunately, many older photo albums and scrapbooks are not archival and acid free and can actually cause damage and fading. We recommend that your photos be removed from the old albums, scanned, and the new digital files be saved to a Flash Drive. Digital images are not susceptible to damage and fading since they are stored on a Flash Drive. If you then want to put your original pictures back in albums, we recommend that you use only acid free archival albums.
We have over 50 years of combined experience in photo scanning and restoration and have never had a customer who wasn’t happy with our work. If for any reason you aren’t satisfied with a restoration, we will work with you to make changes until the finished image meets with your approval.