What is Photo Restoration?

June 02, 2023 5 min read

An example of what photo restoration is, showcasing the before and after transformation

Photo restoration is the process of reversing damage and fixing the effects of aging on photos with a variety of digital tools and techniques. 

That's the simplest way to answer the question, "What is photo restoration?" There are other layers to consider, though. If having a photograph restored interests you, who do you contact? What is the best way to restore old photos, and how do you know the company uses it? Keep reading to get an overview of the photo restoration process, how it gets used, finding photo restoration services, and more. 

How Does Photo Restoration Work?

A photo recovery before and after example of an old photo restored

 

Old photo recovery and restoration is an involved process, especially if you want a high-quality product. Professionals use multiple tools throughout the job. For digital photo restoration, they often utilize programs such as Adobe Photoshop. 


In Photoshop, experts may use different tools like healing brushes or the clone stamp during the restoration process. Regardless of the specific tools, their goal remains the same: a flawlessly reconstructed photo without damage, fading, or other imperfections. 

Where to Find Photo Restoration Services 

You can’t address the “What is photo restoration?” question without also finding professional services. Knowinghow picture restoration happens isn’t enough. If you’re looking to submit a photo of your own, you’ll need advice on where to go. A few options are available. 

Freelancers 

Freelancers frequent websites such as Upwork, Fiverr, and similar online spaces. Freelance digital artists sometimes offer photo restoration services. At first, this may seem like an appealing option. They’ll often charge less for their service than established businesses. If you’re on a budget, it seems like a great idea. 


Unfortunately, there are no quality guarantees with freelancers. Remember the saying, “You get what you pay for.” In this case, that applies. If someone offers to complete your project for a surprisingly low price, you may be paying for disappointment. 


Certain avenues may lead you to scams, too. Credible sites, such as the ones listed above, offer certain protections. Finding a freelancer through a forum or other means likely won’t offer you the same peace of mind. You may lose your money and never get your photo restored at all! 


Positive experiences with freelancers are certainly possible, but you’re safer with a reputable business. You’ll be able to see their work reviews, and see its quality. 

US-Based Companies

You’ll find several photo restoration companies based in the United States. These businesses tend to produce high-quality work. Once you submit your images, you’re likely to get back exactly what you were hoping to see. 


What’s the catch? US-based companies are quite expensive. You’ll work with talented professionals, but spending $350 to $700 per photo may not be the most budget-friendly choice. 

Other Options

International companies like Pixels Photo Art are based outside the United States and offer photo restoration services, too. You’ll get an excellent product, as you would working with a US business, but pay less for your picture. If you’re interested in ordering from us, we have many suitable payment methods. Shipping happens on similar time frames, thanks to the products being printed in US and EU fulfillment centers! 

How is Photo Restoration Used?

Restored photos have so many uses. Reasons for ordering range from being highly personal to sharing with as many other people as possible. Understanding the different ways to use these photos is as important as understanding what photo restoration is. 

Priceless Gifts

If you’re looking for a unique, memorable gift, you’ve found it! There’s nothing like receiving a fully restored photo. It’s an incredibly kind and thoughtful gesture. After all, you’re handing someone a piece of the past made whole again. Sometimes, old, faded photographs are all we have left to remember lost loved ones. Those portraits are more than decoration, and they symbolize so much more. 


To grasp just how special restored photos are, imagine this brief scenario. Your grandparents passed away years ago, and you have a photograph of them standing in front of their house. It's the only photo you have of the two of them. There's a crease in the middle and various blemishes across the photo. You love that picture but wish you could see your grandma's smile behind the crease. 


On your birthday, someone hands you a box with that same photograph. This time, it's fully restored. The crease and blemishes are gone, and your grandma's smiling face is clear. You see their house in the background with all the colors back in place. Undoubtedly, that sort of gift would leave you emotional! Few things have as profound an effect as restored photos. 

Holiday Celebrations 

Restored photos make appropriate gifts for every holiday. Each one gives you a unique opportunity to give something thoughtful and personalized. Just think of how many holidays are in a year, and what sort of photos may represent each one. 

  • Mother’s Day
  • Father’s Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Valentine’s Day
  • Christmas
  • And more!

There are so many chances to show your loved ones that you care and give them something they’ll remember and cherish for the rest of their lives. Perhaps your mother would love to see photos of her parents or grandparents restored. Maybe your uncle played on a baseball team and has an old team photo he’d be thrilled to display. By using restored photos as gifts, you’ll create an unforgettable memory. 

Donations 

It may seem counterintuitive to pay for restoration only to donate the finished product. With digital restoration, there’s no need to keep everything to yourself. Making new prints is a breeze, and you may not be the only person who’d love to have one around. 


Many types of businesses and institutions benefit from photo restoration. Museums and archives, in particular, use them to show never-before-seen imagery. Instead of putting up muddy photos, they make displays with fully colorized and restored photos. Visitors connect with them more easily and stay interested in what they’re learning and reading. 


Places set up like a Hall of Fame or memorabilia collections use restored photos. They build displays and celebrations of specific teams and wins already, so adding in a restored photo ties everything together. People can look at the trophies and awards and see the people who won them. 


Schools, clubs, and even churches and religious houses appreciate the power of restored photos. Pictures make a great visual timeline. Everyone can follow along with the images and the stories that go along with them. 


If you’re hanging onto a photo that might be at home in any of the above places, consider restoring it and sharing the result! 

Final Thoughts 

Don’t spend hours agonizing over the perfect gift. It’s right in front of you! The experts over at Pixels Photo Art are ready to save your old photographs. Do it for yourself, your family, your friends, or something else important in your life. 


As age creeps in, you risk losing old pictures. The passage of time wears them down, creating fading and yellowing. The longer they’re left unattended, the worse the damage gets. Don’t put it off when Pixels Photo Art is just one click away.