Professionally restored. Returned to how they should look.
Torn, faded, water-damaged, scratched. Old family photographs carry real damage from the years. Professional digital restoration recovers what is still there and gives it back to you as a high-resolution file you can print, frame, and share.
This photograph was taken on a wedding day in 1949. By the time the family brought it to me, age, moisture, and handling had left it faded, discoloured, and obscured. Restoration recovered the detail, balanced the tones, and returned the image to something worthy of the occasion it recorded.
Wedding photograph, 1949. Restored from a faded, discoloured original.
Old photographs deteriorate for many different reasons. The specifics of the damage affect what is achievable, which is why I assess every image before accepting any work. In most cases, significant improvement is possible.
Photographs that have been torn, folded, or partially lost can often be reconstructed, particularly where the surrounding detail is intact enough to guide the restoration.
Exposure to light over decades causes photographs to fade. Restoring tonal range and recovering faded detail often produces the most dramatic improvements of all damage types.
Tide marks, damp patches, and general water staining can obscure large areas of a photograph. Patient restoration work can reduce or remove most staining without affecting the underlying image.
Scratches, abrasions, and surface scuffs accumulated through years of handling are among the most straightforward damage types to address in restoration.
The yellow, orange, and brown discolouration that old photographs develop over time is caused by chemical changes in the paper and emulsion. Colour correction during restoration addresses this directly.
The brown spots and patches that appear on old photographic paper from foxing and mould growth can be removed digitally without affecting the tonal detail of the surrounding image.
No original needs to leave your home. You scan or photograph the image, send it digitally, and the restored file comes back to you.
Scan or photograph the original at home. I will guide you on the best approach for your specific photograph before you send anything.
I assess the image and tell you honestly what is achievable and what it will cost. No work begins until you are happy to proceed.
I carry out the restoration carefully, working through each area of damage methodically. Most standard restorations are completed within five to seven working days.
You receive a high-resolution digital file by email or secure download, ready to print, frame, and share with the rest of your family.
Every job is assessed individually because no two photographs present the same challenge. But you will always know the price before any work begins, and there are no hourly rates or scope creep.
For photographs with moderate damage. Fading, surface scratches, discolouration, minor tears or staining. Delivered as a high-resolution digital file within five to seven working days.
Final price confirmed at no-obligation assessment
For photographs with significant damage. Large tears, missing sections, severe fading, extensive water damage, or multiple overlapping damage types requiring detailed reconstruction work.
Assessed individually, fixed price agreed before work begins
Restoration of a black and white photograph combined with historically considered, natural colourisation. Particularly effective for portraits, family groups, and photographs from before colour photography was commonplace.
Restoration price plus colourisation, confirmed at assessment
A restored family photograph is one of the most personal gifts there is. Returning a faded wedding photograph in time for an anniversary. Recovering a portrait of someone who has died, so the family can display it properly. Giving a military photograph back its original dignity.
If you have a particular occasion in mind, I am happy to work to a deadline. Get in touch with a note of the date and I will tell you whether it is achievable.
Mary Ellen or her religious name "Sister Maria Appollina" Skerritt. One of my family photographs from Ireland, carefully restored.
Photo restoration is not a filter or an automated process. Every image presents its own combination of damage, paper type, tonal range, and detail. Getting a good result requires time, patience, and genuine care for what the photograph represents to the family.
I have been photographing Nottinghamshire churches and parishes for eighteen years and working with old documents and historical images throughout my genealogy research. I understand how photographs age, how different damage types behave, and what is and is not recoverable from a given original.
If something is not answered here, please do get in touch. I am happy to give honest advice on your particular image before any commitment is made.
Most damage that family photographs accumulate over decades can be addressed. This includes tears and missing sections, fading and contrast loss, water staining, foxing, creases, scratches, and age discolouration. Very severe damage where significant portions of the image are missing may limit what is achievable, but improvement is usually possible. I will give you an honest assessment before any work begins.
I work from high-quality scans or the original photograph, which you can send me digitally. The original never leaves your home if you can scan, if not, I can help. I will guide you on how to scan or photograph your image at the right resolution to get the best possible result.
A high-resolution digital file, suitable for printing at large size, sharing with family, and archiving. The file is delivered by email or a secure download link. If you need advice on printing services that specialise in photographic reproductions, I can help with that too.
A standard restoration is typically completed within five to seven working days of receiving your image. Complex restorations with significant damage may take a little longer. I will give you a clear timescale when I assess your image and let you know if anything changes along the way.
Yes. Colourisation is offered as an optional addition to restoration. Adding natural, historically considered colour to a black and white photograph can make it feel much more immediate, particularly for portraits and family groups. I will be honest with you about whether it would enhance your particular image before you commit to it.
Yes, in many cases. A good quality scan of a printed copy, or a clear photograph taken of another photograph, can often be worked with successfully. The quality of the result depends on what information has been retained in the copy, and I will tell you honestly what is achievable before accepting any work.
For best results, scan at a minimum of 600 dpi. For very small originals, such as locket photographs or passport-size prints, 1200 dpi or higher is recommended. If you do not have a scanner, a photograph taken in good natural light with a modern smartphone can work well. I am happy to advise before you send anything.
It is one of the most personal gifts I know of. Restoring a faded wedding photograph for an anniversary, recovering a portrait of someone who has died, returning a wartime photograph to something a family can display with pride. These carry real meaning. I can work to a deadline if you have a particular occasion in mind.
The first step is a free assessment. Send the image and I will tell you honestly what can be achieved, what it will cost, and how long it will take. No obligation to proceed.
