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Film-based photographs deteriorate over time due to the chemicals used in their development process as well as effects of light, moisture, and PH imbalance. Old Town Photo's digital restoration expertise can restore almost all types of damaged prints or films. Once the digital restoration process is complete, we reprint the photo on museum-grade archival media and optionally apply a UV protective coating. The final result becomes a long lasting image using materials and techniques unavailable when the original photograph was taken.
Using advanced tools both in hardware and software to get the job done right, we have worked on numerous valuable pieces of various types, including convex oval photos, tin-type, ambrotype, film negatives, and slides, each requiring special care and handling. As a result of 21 years of digital restoration experience, we have developed a propriety method that preserves the dynamic tonal range of the original image by correctly transferring that information into the restored version, as well as reducing the amount of time needed to do most corrections. We perform all work on site and your irreplaceable items never leave our lab.
If you are looking for ultimate care and a professional job performed on your cherished old photographs, feel free to send us an inquiry for a free evaluation and estimate. As always, we guarantee total satisfaction.
For an elegant display and proper protection of your new old photograph, we offer archival framing with conservation glazing both in standard and custom-made sizes.
Photo Before restoration
Photo After restoration
Some samples of our photo restoration work are shown via this link.
This example shows a 1910 overlay painted photograph in a very poor condition. Oval shaped photo restoration and in particular the convex oval portraits require special handling. Overlay painted photograph Before restoration and Overlay painted photograph After restoration
Partial list of restoration works we have performed include:
- Oval convex painting or photos in bubble glass frames;
- Tintype(ferrotype), daguerreotype, ambrotypes;
- Panoramic group photographs;
- Cartes de visite (small card photos);
- Polaroid captured photos;
- Water damaged photos;
- Faded or decolorized photos;
- Photos stuck to glass;
- Photos with mildew damage
What is the cost of a restoration?
Several factors contribute to the cost of a restoration project. For example when enlargment or fade correction is involved, damages not visible to the naked eye may stand out once enlarged or fade corrected. Varied conditions that are specific to each item make it impossible to arrive at a correct figure without closely examining the piece. Therefore, an initial consultation is necessary part of providing an estimate that does not change through the course of work. Once we have a chance to colsely see the item we can provide all options available for the project. So feel free to set up an appointment to bring in your item(s) and we will be glad to provide you with all the information you need.
