Using modern digital imaging techniques, its possible to repair and
restore a photo
or document without causing
any damage to the original photograph. A variety of problems can be corrected
during the restoration process and photos that are faded,
scratched, creased, torn, wrinkled or stained can be restored to a 'good as new'
state. It's a simple matter to enhance or manipulate
images e.g. convert black & white photos
to
"old style" sepia tone images or for a more elaborate restoration, parts of an image
can be altered to give a "hand coloured" appearance. That
old bugbear 'red eye' that spoils so many photos can be easily
retouched enhancing your photograph at minimal cost.
A photo can be retouched or modified
to remove unwanted material such as poles, telegraph wires, even
people. Colours can be selectively enhanced or changed on a photo
and images from several pictures or photographs can be combined
together if required. Retouching or digital editing as it is
sometimes referred to is nothing new, just the techniques have
changed. Digital restoration or retouching is a service offered by
many companies, and at Borderpics we have the skills and a genuine
desire to produce top quality work that customers will be delighted
with.
Please
view some of the restoration / repair examples below and if you have any doubts about the
quality of restoration work its worth viewing the last example, the
restoration of a panoramic photograph. The restoration / repair work
described was turned down by many other companies yet Borderpics
undertook this difficult restore job completing this to the delight of the
client. This job alone may convince you of the time, care and
attention given to photographic repair and restoration.
STOP PRESS!
Second major restoration of a
panoramic photograph for Crypt Grammar School. View details by
selecting the link below.
Please email for a no obligation
quotation. Its surprising what can be achieved with today's technology
but if you want a professional service with personal attention, then
look no further.
At Borderpics we have vast
experience on all types of restoration & retouching work stemming from in
depth knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, meticulous attention to
detail and a desire to provide top quality work.
RECENT RESTORATION WORK
Photo Before
The client asked to remove the
gentleman on the left, remove the bottle of beer, and 'give each of
the remaining pair - hair'
Photo After
The beer bottle was removed,
the arm and much of the dress rebuilt, the background selectively
lightened and the saturation reduced all over. It was a bit rich and
on the red side. (Advanced restoration work).
Photo Before
Asked to create an image from
this original was a challenge and required advanced restoration
techniques.
Photo After
A totally new background was
created and placed out of focus. The face had to be reconstructed
and the left side of the hat. The pullover on the left side also had
to be crafted using advanced techniques. All creases were removed
and the image converted to monochrome.
Photo Before
A fairly difficult request.
Generate a photograph from the gentleman on the right hand side of
the print that was in a bad way.
Photo After
A totally new background was
created and placed out of focus. The left hand half of the suit was
rebuilt along with the arm and sleeve borrowed from another
photograph. Not an easy one but the finished B/W print delighted the
client.
The surface of the original print was stippled
and this limited the size of enlargement but not the quality of the
restoration work.
BASIC
ENHANCEMENT & RESTORATION WORK
Photo Before
A faded B/W photo copied from an old painting.
Photo After
Rotated to make it horizontal, sepia toned, contrast
adjusted and sharpened as the final enhancement. This photo required
level 1 restoration and is relatively simple to complete.
It's possible to work on more recent
photographs such as changing a distracting background,
removing unwanted objects (or persons) and even merging different photos
together.
********
"Dear John, Many thanks for
the superb pix you sent: they are just what I wanted.
Sincerely, F. Harrison"
F. Harrison -
Another example of
level 1 restoration and repair.
The client asked for a mounted print
to be copied and reproduced
onto photographic paper. The original was scanned then
optimised (digitally enhanced) before printing. The writing
below the print had to be
included so high resolution work was required. Borderpics
can provide a restoration service from finished photos,
negatives, or digital images emailed or supplied on media.
********
Testimonial . . .
Dear Mr Peters,
I'm just enquiring about a photo that I would like copied. Its an Edwardian wedding group (c 1910) professionally taken and mounted approx 8x10 and doesn't need restoration though you may have a view on this if you see it
i.e. some kind of enhancement of the image.
********
"Thank you very much for your
efficient, speedy service. It was a small job for you but important for us and you took great care in making sure the copy turned out as we hoped. The original was returned very quickly and very sturdily packed. Thanks for all your help."
Bill & Angela Lewis.
********
MORE ADVANCED RESTORATION
Photo Before
A late appearance, no suit . .
This is an example of level 3
restoration requiring several techniques to achieve a satisfactory
job.
Enhanced Photograph
No
problem! The suit/tie on the left were copied, reversed and the
colours adjusted. This image was carefully pasted over the t-shirt and
further work done to place it behind the other people. A 10 x
8" print was prepared and the client was delighted with the
finished restoration ordering further prints.
Please note the small
details such hair overlapping the jacket (right), the collar carefully fitted
round the neck, the overlap of the dark jacket and finally, using a
custom brush, I've changed the pattern on the tie. Hopefully these
restored photographs illustrate what can be achieved using modern
digital retouching techniques.
Mid-way during the restore process: Original jacket carefully selected from
photograph.
Reversed, colour changed, new pattern
added to tie. The tie pattern is a subtle change but indicates the
time, care and attention applied in our restoration work
********
COMBINE / MERGE 5 SEPARATE
PHOTOGRAPHS, REPLACE BACKGROUND
The example below was made from 5 separate
photos taken at different locations, dates and times.
Click the pic to see how
this was done.
A combination created from 5 separate photographs all
taken at different times and at different locations. To see how this
was done, click on the photograph.
Each image was digitally separated
from its background, crafted into a montage, and a new background
added.
John MacLennan asked
to have the three lights centre top removed, the signs reflecting the
camera flash removed, the left hand edge of the car restored that was
obscured by a bush, dust spots, rain spots, colour saturation and
brightness increased.
A level 3 restoration resulted in an atmospheric
image printed as enlargements and burned to CD.
The car was the most difficult part and had
to be rebuilt using a section from the right hand edge.
"The
pictures and CD arrived this morning. They look great. I am very happy
indeed with your work and wouldn't hesitate to use you again in the
future or,
should the opportunity arise, recommend your services to my friends.
Thank you once again for your hard work.
Kind regards
John"
********
A passport size
photograph taken in a photo booth. It had been folded and badly creased.
This was one from a series of four in a vertical strip. Original size
approx: 2 x 1.25"
The best option here was to combine the mans
head from another photograph with the photo of the lady on this one
which he preferred out of the four. The final image was enlarged to
7 x 5" and the client was delighted with the finished result.
********
Digital manipulation
and enhancement to improve an image. This example is level 3
restoration. Distracting glare from the street lamps, sign-posts,
cluttered foreground, converging verticals (sloping edges) requiring
expert level techniques to enhance and restore.
Level 2 restoration
A treasured wedding photographed faded
resulting in a
deep red colour cast.
The original also had burnt out highlights in the face and head
areas.
The colours were
restored to a more natural balance and the highlights toned down.
The right hand edge of the photograph was rebuilt by cloning the
background to make the finished photo a standard 10 x 8"
size. This helps the balance of the image and its also easier for the
client to source folders / mounts and frames for a standard size
print. A neat repair job and that little touch of building up the edge
of the print went down a treat!
"Hi John,
Received photo this morning and have to say I am extremely satisfied with the results!
As was my mum who was so overjoyed that she was crying! So excellent job I would say!
Thanks for changing the size for me, I have put the picture in a 10"x8" frame and it looks fantastic.
Thanks for your superb service!"
L.Homes -Aberdeen
********
Photo Before
This photograph was
exposed to some extraneous light, either way a very difficult photo to restore and repair
due to the sudden change in colour cast and detail.
Photo after repair
work.
Adjusting
the colour balance, saturation and using other parts of the jacket and
woodwork to modify the final image salvaged this photo.
********
Before restoration.
A level 2 restoration.
Faded, slightly un-sharp and badly stained, this
print is treasured by its owner.
At Borderpics, not only do we restore
and repair photographs, we try to enhance the final print too!
Photo After
Repair
The cloning tool in Photoshop was used to repair
most of this image with contrast and colour balance also being
adjusted. The bright flashgun highlight was removed and the window
effectively rebuilt. The photo was then sharpened a little to improve
the overall appearance.
Excellent- I cant wait to give to my
mum!
Thank you so much- I've told
everyone about your services- so hopefully you'll get a bit more
business!
Carly Jones
A level 3 restoration
requiring skilled restore and repair techniques using digital
retouching methods.
Faded, badly creased
and cracks in the emulsion. Quite a challenging photograph to restore and repair.
This is typical of
many photographs submitted for restoration / repair work and at
Borderpics, we love this type of challenge.
After
Time, care and
attention (and a bit of skill) are the requirements for a
successful repair and restoration using modern
day software - thank you Adobe.
Not only did we provide an effective
repair and restoration of this photo, we enhanced the final print by
correcting the tilt. The edges, foreground and sky area of the
photograph were re-built making it possible to re-align into an
upright position.
Cropping the original then rotating
would have been the easy option taken by many photographic restoration
companies, but why settle for losing parts of your original image in
the restored version?
"Received photo
today, really pleased with the result, my mother will be thrilled.
Many many thanks for all your help and patience."
Mr R Tutin - Essex
********
Before Restoration
Faded, stained, torn edges,
missing corners, cracked emulsion on
surface, badly creased in several areas. An example requiring the
level 3 repair and restoration service.
After Enhancement
Extensive work was required both on the subjects and
the background. It was better to replace the background as much of the
detail on the original background had faded to off-white. The client asked for 3 @ 10 x 8" prints
and was delighted.
"I
have just returned to the office from holiday and have received the
photos. They look great - thanks very much - and very quick as
well."
S Stone - London
********
RESTORE / REPAIR
PANORAMIC PHOTO
The most difficult retouching job ever undertaken arrived October
2004. The client was keen to have two panoramic photographs restored
and reproduced to their original size of 39" wide by 9"
high. The originals had been taken with a panoramic camera in 1938 and
1939 but the prints had been tightly wound into small rolls about
two inches in diameter as shown below.
To restore the photos they would have to be scanned or
re-photographed and this proved difficult. Scanning was not an option
due to the unwound length (39") and the fact that the photographs
would not lie flat. I decided I would have to photograph the
originals and somehow flatten them sufficiently to make reasonable
copies prior to restoration work being possible.
The client understated the damage on the original photographs (they
had not unrolled them fully) and
the emulsion had cracked in several places and there were tears in
each print at both ends. Had they been flat, restoration would be a
major task alone but I needed to capture images to work on first. You
can see the extent of the damage below.
An additional problem caused by the creasing - areas of dark and light were created either side of a crease and
this required further restoration work. Creasing and tears can be
viewed in the image below.
Each photograph was carefully unrolled then taped
down to a wooden board to copy them. I applied masking
tape to the rear side of the tears to prevent further damage through
handling. Knowing I would be able to re-photograph the prints, it was at this point I contacted the client to say
I was prepared to attempt the task of full restoration and print
production. I quoted them a price and they agreed. Next - the
photography.
Panorama unrolled and taped to wooden board ready for photography
(image below).
Taking just the one photograph would
be insufficient in terms of file size for reproduction and would
introduce distortion at the edges. Many photographers and restoration
experts would have re-photographed using a wide angle lens, the easy
option. I took 5 photographs from left to right moving the camera and
tripod a set distance each time.
I had to stitch the 5 photographs together for each panorama before
restoration work could begin. The stitching in Photoshop was
additional work and created a large file from the 5 x 6.2 megapixel
images created by the Canon 10D used to copy the images.
Many hours later with Adobe Photoshop I finally produced images I was
happy with. I sent them to Peak Imaging in Sheffield for printing.
Peak Imaging were one of the few labs that could handle work up to 40
" wide. I was very pleased with the finished results as was the
client.
Happy Customer!
Unknown to me at the time, several other companies had been
approached. Some didn't reply and the others turned the job down
possibly due to the difficult nature of the work.
The final image is represented
below. I feel confident of tackling virtually any restoration work,
colour or black and white. First and foremost I'm a photographer, but
I also know and understand Adobe Photoshop. Having spent many
years in traditional photography, much of this in the darkroom;
today's techniques are very different but still require the right
combination of skills to produce top quality work.
Remember, if you want a professional service with personal attention, then
look no further than Borderpics.
Please note these are low resolution images
for example only
PROFESSIONAL RESULTS - PERSONAL
ATTENTION
Restored photographs make attractive items of decor and original personal gifts. They
can be treasured reminders of loved ones or past family generations. Many
companies offer a similar service but if you want reliability, a personal service
with care and attention, you won't be disappointed. At Borderpics,
we provide the complete service from start to finish - you restored photo can
be provided
How
It Works
Whatever the service level
required, your
original is always scanned or re-photographed to provide a copy. I never work directly on an original
photograph. All work is carried out on electronic copies, so that your photograph is
protected from further damage. The copy is
then corrected
for colour, contrast and brightness as well as completing any necessary repair
work before being printed
onto photographic quality paper. Your restored photo is then kept on file, so
you can easily order more copies.
Do
you have an odd size of negative that you would like a print from?
No problem, send negatives or transparencies (slides) and in most
cases I'll be able to produce a satisfactory print.
Sizes
Of Photographs
I accept original photographs of almost any size, the final picture being enlarged
or reduced to meet your requirements. Very small originals (less than about 3 ins by 4
ins) do however place limitations on the size of the final print produced
and the smaller the original, quality becomes very important.
Damage
Correction
The amount of work involved in restoring a photograph depends not only on the extent of
the damage, but also on the amount of fine detail which needs to be rebuilt.
My restoration service is divided into three broad categories, ranging from
straightforward correction of minor blemishes to complex restoration work. Prices for each
category of work are set out in the accompanying price table
FREE
Quotation - No Obligation
If you are unsure what 'category' best describes the condition of your
original photograph, please make your best estimate. I'll advise you promptly if
I have a different view and I won't proceed
with the work without your agreement. Please email if you have an enquiry,
no matter how difficult or badly damaged you think the original is,
whether it be a photograph, document, painting, drawing or print.
Additional
Copies
Once your photograph has been restored I'll retain a copy for future reference. Either way, additional copies of
the restored picture can be ordered at standard print prices for a period of up to 1
year.
Sending
Originals
To keep costs fairly low, I operate a postal service only. Please indicate your
requirements and post it to me with your photograph and the appropriate remittance.
Packaging
To safeguard your original, pack it carefully with cardboard stiffening so that it does
not suffer additional damage in transit. Please do not send framed photographs, glass
plates, lantern slides, or transparencies in glass mounts, as all of these are very
vulnerable to damage in transit.
Valuable
Photographs
While every possible care taken with your originals, photographs are sent
at the customer's risk and I am not able to accept responsibility for accidental loss
or damage to photographs in transit or in my care.
If you believe any photograph to be of exceptional value, please advise
me before
sending, and be sure to arrange appropriate insurance cover.
Payment
All work is subject to receipt of payment with order. Because of the risk of
sending cash through the post I can accept payment only by cheque (if drawn on a UK
bank), UK Postal Order, or Money Order. Cheques will normally be
cleared before work is despatched.
I normally acknowledge receipt of a communication or
order within a few days but if you do not receive an acknowledgement
by email, please send a reminder. Thank you.
Prices valid
until December 2008
Photo
/ Document Restoration Prices
SERVICE DESCRIPTION
PRICE
Level 1 Restoration
Scanning to computer; cropping and resizing if required; correction of
colour balance, contrast and brightness; first new print (7x 5"). Removing a few small background marks; tidying
frayed edges and small corner tears.
from £15.00
Level 2 Restoration
As above plus additional:
Replacement of larger torn corners; repairs to creases, lines or marks on
the background; repairs on the subject providing major features (e.g.
faces) DO NOT have
to be rebuilt.
from £20.00
Level 3 Restoration
As above plus additional:
Repair of more significant damage; merging of two or more photographs; changing
backgrounds and/or removal of unwanted sections within the scene.
from
£30.00
First new print
5 x 7"
(12.5 x 17.5cm)
FREE
First new print
6 x 8"
(15 x 20cm)
£ 7.00
First new print
8 x 10"
(20 x 25cm)
£
9.00
Additional prints
4 x6"
(10 x 15cm)
£ 4.00 each
Additional prints
5 x 7"
(12.5 x 17.5cm)
£ 6.00 each
Additional prints
6 x 8"
( 15 x 20cm)
£8.00 each
Additional prints
8 x 10"
( 20 x 25cm)
£10.00 each
CD Rom
Scan and copy
one image file to CD ROM - £6.00 Additional images £ 1.00 each
£
6.00 each
For prints not ordered with restoration work, please
add 20%
Postage and packing
UK
First class recorded delivery
(Receipt for posting and signature on delivery)
AT COST
Postage and packing
UK
Special delivery
(recommended - package is also tracked from postage to delivery)
