We're wondering the best way to restore a really old picture of my great great great grandmother we found?

Question

I was helping my grandmother clean out her attic and we came across a picture of my great great great (yes it is that many greats, my mother, and sister spent 10 minutes debating, please don't bring back that headache) grandmother at her spinning wheel. It's an old black and white photo on a matte. When you angle it in the light the black areas reflect an array of colors like oil on pavement. I can only assume this is from the old chemicals used to process it (I took a photography course before). My question is what is the best way to save and restore it? And who would be the best people to take it to? Because I would like to save it and not leave it in the hands of people who don't know what they're doing. Please help me.

What's the best way to restore it and save it?
Who are the most qualified people to take it to?

Answer 1

Step one - go to a real photography store. Don't go to the one in the back of Target or that little Quick-Print place. Go to one that sells real photo equipment and supplies to real professional photographers. Ask them for the names of people who could do the kind of quality job you want on an irreplaceable photo. If there is not a place you can reach try calling a local museum and ask to speak to a conservator there for their recommendations of someone to do the work.

Step two - call some names from the list and tell them what your problem is. They might be able to work on the original but more likely they will make a quality photo print of that original on archival quality paper and make that one look like new. Get an approach, a price, a time estimate, and the names of some satisfied customers.

Step 3 - check out some of them to choose the one you prefer. Even if they are going to work on the original, buy an archival-quality photocopy of the original (just in case they mess up beyond repair). Then turn the work over to them and hope they live up to their reputation.

If you chose the right person you will be proud of the results and they will last for many more generations..

Answer 2

Well the combination of not having the photo stored in temperature controlled environment, the attic, and the photo most likely not being properly fixed, or archivally displayed is speeding up its deterioration. The easiest and most cost effective method of restoring it is to digitally retouch,enhance the image.
That said you almost certainly want to preserve the original image. To slow down the detioration process start by taking the photo out of the attic and place it inside in an area that is not brightly lit. If it is mounted in a frame or matte, remove it from the matte. The matte may not be archival and could be leaching acids into the photo paper. Instead mount the photo in an archival matte with glass placed over it, you can find the materials at light impressions, an online photo archival store.
In terms of what can be done to restore the image traditionally if you have a large library in your area with a preservation room, and a preservationist would be a good place to take the photo to in order to be looked at and evaluated,if you dont have a library then look for local historical societies, or museums. From there they can suggest methods that you can do to preserve the image, or suggest a place that does both digital and traditional photo resoration.

Answer 3

If you want reprints for yourself and the family (new paper, not the original), you need a Digital Picture restoration specialist. Search for ones in your area, and call them for details or samples of their work. Expect to pay steeply though. A single photo restored from an original usually runs a couple of hundred dollars if it is that old or damaged. Of course the additional reprints will only be a couple of bucks each. Your original will be returned to you in it's original condition.

I have no idea about actually restoring the original or if it can even be done. You may try calling your local museum curators and asking if they have had any done, and if so, who they used or would recommend.

This site will give you an idea
http://digitalimageservices.com/

Answer 4

This is great. You are very lucky to have pics like this.
Do some research in your area and find the best Photo place there.
Take the pic in and let them know how important this is and that you want it done to the best it can possibly be.
Spare no expense. Have other family members join in on the cost. That way when it is restored you can get copies made for everyone.
Good Luck...
I hope that it comes out great.

Stacie

Answer 5

I know that poeple have said this like billion times but like at walmart or cvs they have a great do it yourself station..you can also send it in but i feel better doin it myself....but anyway..same thing with me..my grama found some really old pictures and they were not in the best condition....we put it on the station at the store and yoiu can either...
A) put it from black and white to color ( eventhough i think the best part is it being black and white)
B) or just make it a crsiper more better looking picture.
it makes it loook brand new and its in great condition

sorry i wish i could have made it short and sweet instead of this being so long =]
hope you can find a good place to restore them


p.s...you dont have to spend a fortune on it

Answer 6

I did many pictures like that by myself od my mothers taken long long time back when she was young , and offcourse of my grand parents - either you can scan it or crop it by taking picture with another camera and then edit it in photo editing software - adobe , corel , trying the new ones in the software will give good result .

Or if you dont have enough for this then take it to a photo studio where they do digital editing - but it will cost you little bit .

Answer 7

Ask your local photo retailer if they restore old photos (most do).

Ask to see some examples of their work.

If it's acceptable they'll scan the image and work on the scan, so there's no risk to the original.

If not, shop around.

I'd do it this way rather than mail the print.

Answer 8

Professional Photo Restorers, will professionally restore your image for you. They scan it at high resolution then use software to patch up the gaps.

Get them to do some prints and burn a file to CD so you have a permanent digital record.

Photoace has covered it as well.

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Answer 9

Look under PHOTO RESTORERS in the yellow pages of your phone book. Take the photo to one , get his estimate on what is best done and ask to see an example of his work,

Answer 10

take the photo to a professional photographer. They can do wonders with restoring old pictures.