Photo Restoration
Can every photo be
restored?
In some
cases, a photo may be damaged to such an extensive degree that it's
unrealistic to think it can be returned it to it's original state. Sometimes
it’s possible to use other images the customer may have to provide
missing details, but if we feel we don’t have enough to work from, we
will recommend that you refuse the project. Often times,
however, just recreating something that resembled the original is
enough to satisfy the customer. In those cases, we discuss
realistic expectations with you
so that you and your customer can
make an informed decision as to whether to proceed.
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an original photo?
In most
cases, while it may be possible to restore the original print, it is neither
cost effective nor advisable to do so. Once the surface of a photo is
damaged, and contaminants are able to penetrate the surface, the breakdown of
the paper can continue even after corrective work is
performed on the surface. Also, the process to retouch a damaged original is usually far
more time consuming, and therefore more costly. Unless an original has
significant historical or cultural value, such as a museum piece, a restored
reproduction is the most practical solution. We can, however, in many
cases restore the original if a customer prefers. A price quote will be
given on a case-by-case basis. The minimum charge to restore an original is
$200.
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Do you sell photo
restorations only under the Legacy Image brand?
While our Legacy Image brand is recognized for it's excellence of quality
and service, and is fully supported with marketing and display/promotional
materials, we also provide unbranded retouching and restoration services
enabling you to market the work under your own name.
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What's the typical turnaround time on
photo restorations?
An online preview is ready for viewing within three to five working days
for most orders. Once the proof is approved, finished prints are
shipped within three additional working days.
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What type of prints do you make?
We make digital
pigment inkjet prints. The archival properties and color gamut of our
digital prints rival those of wet darkroom processes, but allow us the
flexibility of using some fine art papers not available for traditional
photo printing.
The
pigments we use in making our paper prints are the same as those used in
fine art Giclee printmaking. Archival properties will vary with different
types of papers we offer, as well as with conditions under which they’re
stored or displayed. Accelerated aging tests have indicated, on average,
displayed prints framed under ordinary glass can be expected to last 50-70
years or more before any noticeable fading or discoloration begins.
Displayed prints framed with UV filtering glazing can last more than 100
years. Prints stored properly in dark storage can last more than 150 - 200
years before any noticeable fading begins. For more information on print
permanence, please visit
www.wilhelm-research.com.
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Do you archive files?
We archive all artwork, and each order is assigned an ID number
for easy re-ordering.
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What you guarantee
the quality of your work?
We print to archival standards, and will replace at no cost any printed
image that fades/discolors under recommended display or storage conditions.
We take great pride in
providing a level of quality that’s unsurpassed, and your customer’s
satisfaction is unconditionally guaranteed. If we cannot provide an image
that meets with their approval, there is no charge for any work provided.
This unconditional guarantee applies to our Legacy Image branded
restorations only as we cannot control the quality of the scans or image
files supplied to us through our unbranded services.
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What do I tell a
customer who compares prices to the discount chains?
Encourage them to give our competitors a try and compare the results.
We aren't knocking the discounted competition, as they provide a
valuable service, but we challenge customers to find better quality
and value for price. Last year, 13% of all our restoration orders were previously
restored elsewhere before the customer, disappointed in those results,
brought it to us to re-do.
Restoration is like anything else one purchases - there
are varying degrees of quality. Sometimes a discount service is
adequate for the customer's particular needs. Often
customers will use the discounted service as their entry into the
photo restoration experience, and after trying that, will find their way to
us in their search for something
better. We serve a very specific market of customers who are
looking for quality and value. So bring on the competition!
We welcome it.
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