Restoring old photos is three stage process, and is one of the most common requests we receive - but is also one of the most rewarding types of work we do.
FIRST STAGE - SCANNING/ DIGITISING
Once we receive the print, we delicately lay it on our flatbed scanner and scan it at anywhere between 800 and 1200 dots per inch. Once saved as a digital file we then retain a copy of the original scan, and then are able to return the photograph to the owner.
SECOND STAGE - HEALING & REPAIRING
We work our way across the image, left to right and top to bottom removing any marks, fixing any rips or creases, cloning away any scratches or signs of mould. We pay particular attention to faces and clothing. This stage can take a good deal of time if the image is badly damaged.
THIRD STAGE - CONTRAST & SHARPENING
Once the image has be rid of its blemishes, we can then begin to restore and enhance the tonal range of the image, to ensure it looks punchy with the correct amount of contrast. Then we apply a couple of different types of sharpening to the image, the final one being appropriate to the size of the print i.e. its display size. We can even add colour!