Photo Restoration: The Different Techniques of Making The Moment Last
Did you realize that there are several different photo
restoration techniques that are available? Each one has advantages and disadvantages, so you need to do some research before rushing out and giving your photos to the first service that claims to be able to help you restore your photos.
Photographs are precious possessions, so you need to understand what the photo restoration technique involves, and what will be required. Some techniques may actually put your photographs at risk if the technique is not done properly.
Chemical Restoration
In a chemical restoration process your photograph is actually re-exposed to developing chemicals. Sometimes this process involves first bleaching the photo, and then re-developing it. This process can reverse some of the oxidation that causes old photos to fade, but it also irreversibly alters the photo.
Chemical restoration should only be attempted by a trained photographic conservator. It is a highly technical process, the results are not guaranteed, and it can be very expensive.
Copying
One of the simplest and least expensive photo restoration techniques is simply copying the photo. By adjusting the contrast settings on the copy it is possible to improve the look of the resulting image.
While you can get some improvement, this restoration technique will only work on images with very mild fading, and it will not do anything to repair any damage to the photograph. What you will have is a darker copy of the original photo.
Airbrushing
Another photo restoration technique that is sometimes used is airbrushing the photo. In the hands of a skilled artist this technique can get very good results, but the technique can also be expensive. An artist will not only be able to add the necessary contrast to your photos, they will also be able to cover up blemishes to the photo.
The drawback of airbrushing is that any alterations are done to the original photo. If a mistake is made, it can be very difficult to undo. It is also not possible to cover up any physical damage to the photo with this technique. Repairing tears or punctures are beyond the scope of what airbrushing can accomplish.
Electronic
One of the best photo restoration techniques today is electronic restoration. By scanning your photo into a digital file repairs and alterations can be accomplished without any changes to the original photo. This technique makes it possible to repair tears and creases, reverse fading or other damage to the image, and add or remove color from the photo.
Electronic restoration can repair most any type of damage to your photo. If the damage is not that extensive the repairs can often be done the same day. The downside of photo restoration is that many printers are limited in the quality of photo print that you can get. However, many photo shops offer digital photo printing at a very reasonable rate.
Photo restoration makes it possible to recapture the memories that the original photo represents. Consider all of your options, and then chose the one that is right for you.
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