Photos are not just pictures but valuable memories that you would like to preserve forever. Old, faded, discolored, unrecognizable or torn out photos can be restored to a significant extent; thanks to contemporary advancements in photo editing technology. The photos are not restored on regular basis; hence you may not have a fair idea of the justifiable photo restoration fees applicable.

The average cost of restoring photos starts from $3 for simple restoration, $ 25 USD for medium restoration, and extreme restoration with high damage will cost around $ 60 USD. So based on the photo damage level the cost of restoration ranges from minimum of $3 to maximum $60. These mentioned costs may be different for freelancers and companies. But before deciding about the cost, let’s see some of the facts involved.

Quick Overview

This post would offer you an idea of the various factors that contribute to the restoration process for giving you a tentative estimate of the chargeable fees.

What is photo restoration? A Definition

Photo restoration is the process of restoring damaged digital photos using advanced software and tools. This damage is caused for various reasons, like natural calamities, pests, water, fire, and more.

damaged photo example

Process of restoring photos

Depending upon the extent and nature of damage the image has experienced, the services of several proficient people would be required. Each artist on the project would have expertise in a particular domain and the collective support of all involved would be needed to restore the former glory of a picture. The project manager ensures that the activities of various artists are harmonized in composite manner for best result. The experience, skill level, and discretion of artists would come into play when leveraging the potential of photo editing software or specific tools. Hence, compensation for each artist’s efforts would have to be factored in for determining the restoration fees.

Types of photo damage

Restoring damage through high quality and comprehensive fixing for the recreation of life-like appearance requires the adoption of a holistic approach. Photos may be sun faded, water damaged patches, fire damaged, environmental damaged, digital damaged or have suffered compete for the disappearance of the subjects. The price is dependent on the amount of time and effort to be invested for restoring the picture to the maximum possible extent and the extent of the damage.

Amount of research needed

When a picture is significantly faded or considerably torn, proper restoration of the same is contingent on exhaustive research into historical factors. The nature and composition of the antique picture would be assessed for understanding the capturing technique and materials used for producing the photo. If a portion of the photo is not available, it is to be determined what was present in the missing part. This would help in the photorealistic reproduction of the same which would not be incongruent with the time and other concomitant factors involved during clicking of the picture. The amount of evaluation that has to be conducted for restoring the photo realistically would have an impact on the cost for restoring.

Types of digital image restoration services cost

simple photo restoration

Image Credit: Thriftyfun

Basic Restoration

The photograph would be given a basic retouching that involves the repair of minor tears, the removal of marks, improving the brightness of the subject’s teeth, the elimination of skin blotches, etc.

Medium Photo Restoration

Image Credit: Petapixel

Medium Restoration

This involves restoring images that are ripped, changing the background color of the picture, removal of an object or person from the photo which was proving an eyesore, or converting black and white vintage photo to a colorful one.

Advanced Photo Restoration

Image Credit: Sortra

Advanced Restoration

Advanced restoration is applicable to photos that have been torn from several places or have the appearances of subjects significantly damaged. Colors can be fixed or persons or objects which are inextricably linked with the subject can be removed without distorting the appearance.

Complicated Photo Restoration

Image Credit: Sortra

Extreme Restoration

Literally, any fix can be applied on the damaged photograph. The color cast can be removed, individual elements can be colored, and stains or blemishes can be comprehensively eliminated without adversely impacting the background.

When a photo is converted from black and white to color, the old photo enhancement prices would vary depending on the amount of work needed on individual scenic elements.

Photo Restoration – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Some of the frequently asked questions we receive from our customers regarding our photo restoration services.

It will depend on the level of effort required to bring back a photo to its past glory. Some photos demand high level work while others need a bit of retouching here and there. Send us your photos, we will evaluate and send you a customized quote. Our pricing starts from $ 25 USD/ photo based on the complexity of restoration.

Why not? You can surely send us your photo to get it checked by us. We handle projects of all difficulties and can guarantee high-quality outcomes. We will evaluate your photo, understand what level of work is required, and then send you a free quote.

We are experts at digital photo restoration, and we have been handling this task for more than 10+ years on a regular basis. So, you can trust us knowing that your requirements will be taken care of in the best possible way and with quality assurance.

Yes, we can. We are Photoshop champions and can work on damaged photos so as to give them a new life.

Definitely, but you will need strong expertise in order to be able to use advanced Photoshop tools. You will find it quite amazing to note that we have over 10+ years of experience in using Photoshop and we still learn new techniques regularly. Photoshop is a costly program, so if you are not able to use its features to an optimal extent, you are not being able to make an optimal utilization of the software. Alternatively, you can outsource your requirements to us and we will take care of your requirement.

Definitely Not. We do not need our customers to engage us for projects of certain volume. We accept projects of all sizes and treat every project with equal importance. We accept a one-time task that involves work on just one photograph as well as recurrent, long-term projects that involve work on several photographs.

We try as much as possible to keep the TAT as short as possible. Depending on the complexity of your project and the volume of tasks that we need to handle, we would determine the TAT. It may be as short as 24 hours for very small-sized projects and several days or months for large projects. We would discuss about the TAT right during the project initiation time.

Yes, of course we do. We have helped several couples and families with expert wedding photo restoration support. From removing the effects of mould, dust, water, and time to delivering magical retouching effects on restored wedding photos, we render all possible photo editing assistance to our clients, helping them to preserve their memories of the big day forever and to share them with the next generations.

Conclusion

Damaged photo restoration is a complex task. If someone is doing it at a flat fee, then rest assured that the restoration is not comprehensive and realistic. Since each photo has to be uniquely restored, the fee for the same would depend upon the extent of the damage. The proper quote can be given only after evaluation of the photo and determining the range of restorative work needed. PGBS offers affordable photo restoration services by the proficient artists who are experts in this field and have worked extensively on the restoration of extremely damaged images. Send us your scanned photo’s and we would offer you a no obligation cost estimate. Hire us to fix your damaged photos.