For an estimate of costs, just e-mail your photo image to Backroad Photo Restoration with a detailed description of what you would like done. It's easy - just click on Instructions. A proof of a photo restoration or enhancement can usually be completed in 5-7 days.
This
page only summarizes the typical restoring and retouching techniques and services available.
Pictures are an important part of our lives, whether they are framed,
published, or put in a scrapbook. If you have an idea of your own not described here, don't hesitate to ask
about it. We aim to please. Satisfaction is guaranteed.
All restoration and repair work is done by hand using professional photo editing
software, and no alterations are made to your original photograph. Backroad
Photo is a restoration service that takes great care and consideration in
the job of repairing and fixing your photographs. Your photograph
and restoration work never leaves Backroad Photo Restoration; it is never
outsourced.
Finished photos are printed at a professional photo lab on photographic
paper.
Restoring old family photos has become very popular. Maybe you inherited a portrait of your great-great grandparents, but it's not in such "great" shape. Scratches, cracks, stains, tears, creases, mildew spots, etc. can be repaired. An out-of-focus picture, however, is usually not restorable due to the fact that there was no detail there originally. Also, extremely faded photographs can sometimes be a challenge. Photos can be lightened, darkened, and sharpened. Colors can be corrected. If the photo is in pieces, it can be put back together. Often, even missing sections of a picture can be reconstructed. If you happen to have another similar photo, it can help with rebuilding a missing piece by "borrowing" from that other photo. (See the example from Combining People or Objects From Other Photos and the example from Removing People or Objects From Photos.) Studying genealogy of your ancestors might very well lead you to a picture in need of rescue. Copies of a restored ancestral picture are great to distribute at family reunions or give as gifts. Examples
We all have those flaws that we would rather not have show up in our photos. Photo retouching through digital cosmetic surgery can simulate a facelift, smooth away wrinkles, fix that double chin, clear up acne and other blemishes, fix messy hair, and even make a large nose look smaller. Hair color and clothing can also be adjusted. Body slimming, such as a tummy tuck or straightening a rounded back or shoulders, is not impossible. Red eye can be removed, and teeth can be straightened and whitened. Eyelashes can be extended, and facial features can be enhanced. Skin tone and texture can be improved, and make-up can even be added. A soft filter can even be applied for a glamour look. Examples
Old photos can yellow or fade in color over the years. However, color can be corrected or added back to make these old faded photos look bright again. Or, maybe you like the look of a black and white picture with just a little color added. Wedding photos are really fun to work with. For example, a picture could be converted to black & white except for the bride's bouquet. The flower bouquet would remain in the original colors. Examples
Have you ever had a really nice snapshot of yourself or someone else with a not-so-nice background? Maybe there was an unidentified person walking by while the shot was taken. Or, maybe the surroundings were cluttered or unsuitable. That undesirable background can be removed and substituted with something else. It could be a portrait type of background, brick background like in one of the examples, or even blurring the background around the subject. Existing backgrounds can also be repaired if there are stains, tears, etc. Examples
People or objects from two or more photos can be combined to produce one good photo. Different elements can be blended seamlessly. This technique is especially nice when someone has their eyes closed or is looking away from the camera. If you have a similar picture with that person in a better position, a head or body swap can be performed. It's painless. The final result is that you have one good picture rather than two flawed pictures. Also, extra people can be removed from a picture. Or, maybe there are objects in the background that could be removed to give the photo an overall better look. In some instances in order to rebuild a missing piece of the photo after something has been removed, "borrowing" can be done from another similar photograph that you may have. Examples
Two or more pictures can be arranged together. As shown on the Examples page, several pictures were used to create an anniversary invitation. The pictures were converted to grayscale with an overlay of beveled text & titles in color. The banner at the top of this site's home page is also an example of a collage technique. Examples
The special effects that can be applied to photos (both new & old) are limitless. Take a look at the Examples page, and feel free to give your own ideas. There are also some interesting border and framing techniques which can really enhance a photograph. Examples
Black & white photography is really popular. Any photo can be easily changed from color to black & white. If this technique is included with any other retouching or enhancement, there would be no additional cost.
Both old and new photos look nice with a sepia tint for an antique or vintage look. If this technique is included with any other retouching or enhancement, there would be no additional cost.