Please request an estimate before actually mailing the original photograph.

For an estimate of costs, there are basically just 2 steps to begin:

1. Scan your photograph, or have it scanned for you.  If it's a picture taken with a digital camera, just send the image as an e-mail attachment as you would send it to share with a friend or family member. (For the best prints, make certain your digital camera is set at a high resolution.)  
   

2. Send the scanned or digital photo image as an attachment in an e-mail to backroadphotorestoration.  Include in your e-mail detailed instructions as to the photo retouching or photo restoration work you would like to see done or how you would like your finished picture to look.  

Note:  If the digital image was shot in RAW format, the file will probably be too large for e-mailing.  A password can be supplied to you for using onlinefilefolder.com for uploading the image file.

After your photo image has been seen and evaluated, an estimate of the costs will be sent to you.  (See Services for an idea of the price ranges.)  There is no charge for the work estimate, and you can usually receive an estimate within a day.  Your photo is given absolute attention to detail by one person.  Your photograph and restoration work never leaves Backroad Photo Restoration; it is never outsourced.  Backroad Photo is a photo restoration service that takes great care and consideration in the job of repairing and fixing your photographs.

After you receive the estimate and wish to proceed with the work:

If you are not mailing the actual photograph and are sending a scanned image:  

If your estimate photo was not scanned at a high resolution, you will want to re-scan the photo before actual retouching work begins on your photo image.  The re-scan would only be necessary if your photo for the estimate was not scanned on a high quality, high resolution scanner.  (See below for the scanning requirements.)  Many "home" scanners just do not produce a clear and detailed image necessary for restoration and retouching.  There might be too much pixilation, resulting in a blurry picture.  Since a high quality scanning is imperative for a good final picture, you may want to consider taking it to Kinko's, etc.  Backroad Photo Restoration can also scan it for you.  In fact, this usually produces a better final photo, because the actual texture, creases, tears, stains, etc. of the original picture can be seen and compared as the work progresses.  This is very helpful to the restoration process.  There is no scanning charge.  (Registered Mail postage for the safe return of your original photograph, CD, and prints will be included in the estimate.)

Of course, before anything is mailed back to you a proof will be e-mailed to you for your approval.  Then, any modifications can be made until you are pleased with the look.  All picture prints are processed at a photo lab on professional quality photographic paper. Sizes and costs are outlined on the Pricing page. Please provide written permission for any copyrighted photos before requesting work to be done on the photo.  

Whether you scan the photo or have it scanned, below are the requirements: 

Tips:

Whether you snail-mail or e-mail, clearly indicate what you would like done with the photo.  Include any information that would be helpful to the restoration, retouching, or special effects such as:

• missing color information

• if possible, supplying other photos (or pieces of photos) to "borrow" from for objects, background, or people
  (See example)

• indicating exactly what you want removed from a picture

• your idea for a background replacement  (See example)

This is not a complete list by any means.  Feel free to give any idea you may have for your photograph restoration or retouching.

A proof can then be e-mailed back to you for your approval.  Modifications can always be made to the proof.

Payment:

When you are pleased with the final result and you feel the picture is like you want, payment by credit card, debit card, or bank account transaction can be accepted through PayPal or a money order can be sent.   (Since online payments are made through PayPal, no credit card or banking information is collected by Backroad Photo Restoration.  PayPal is the payment system used for eBay transactions.  PayPal is also free to buyers.  For more information, click on the links at the bottom of the page.)  Once payment has been received:

• Backroad Photo Restoration can copy your photos to a CD and mail the CD and photographic prints to you.  Cost is determined by the number and size of finished photos plus the postage for mailing.  The CD is included free.
  
  and/or
  

• The final photo can then be e-mailed back to you in both a high and low resolution and in various sizes and formats of your choosing.  This will enable you to copy the size(s) you wish to disc and have prints made at your local developer.  You can use the low resolution version for sharing with family and friends on the web.