FAQs

BASICS
· WHAT IS PHOTO RESTORATION?
· WHAT IS PHOTO RETOUCHING?
· WHAT IS COLORIZATION?
· WHAT IS COLOR CORRECTION?
· I AM INTERESTED IN HAVING YOU ORGANIZE A LARGE QUANTITY OF PHOTOS. WHAT WILL YOU DO?
· HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK?
· WHAT CAN AND CANNOT BE FIXED?

SUBMITTING IMAGES
· HOW SHOULD I SEND MY PICTURES TO YOU?
· I AM WORRIED ABOUT SENDING MY ORIGINAL PHOTO THROUGH THE MAIL – CAN I STILL SUBMIT?
· CAN I SEND SCANS?
· HOW LONG BEFORE I RECEIVE MY RESTORED PHOTOS?
· HOW MUCH WILL MY PHOTO RESTORATION COST? HOW DO I PAY YOU?
· WHAT INSTRUCTIONS SHOULD I SEND WITH MY PICTURES?
· WHAT KIND OF PRINTS WILL I RECEIVE?
· WHAT DO I DO IF MY PHOTO IS COPYRIGHTED?
· WHAT IS YOUR PRIVACY POLICY?
· HOW DO I CONTACT SECOND IMPRESSION PHOTO?

 

WHAT IS PHOTO RESTORATION? (View Examples)

Precious photos are often damaged by the elements, neglect, or simply time. Major damage may include large tears or stains, or portions of the image which are missing completely. Photo Restoration is the process of repairing major damages such as these through the use of photo-editing software.
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WHAT IS PHOTO RETOUCHING? (View Examples)

Oftentimes an image will suffer minimal damage, which might include fading or color changes, minor discoloration, shadows or minor stains or tears. While "restoration" often includes reconstruction of missing parts of an image, "retouching" usually requires a less intense "cleanup" using the same techniques as "restoration."
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WHAT IS COLORIZATION? (View Example)

Colorization is the process of digitally adding color to a black & white, sepia, or extremely faded image. Colorization options range from true-to-life to "pop art" styles.

Alternately, colorized images can also be converted to black & white or sepia.
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WHAT IS COLOR CORRECTION?

Aging, poor processing, and exposure to sun may cause colors in your image to fade or distort. Using photo-editing software, Second Impression Photo can correct this problem.
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I AM INTERESTED IN HAVING YOU ORGANIZE A LARGE QUANTITY OF PHOTOS. WHAT WILL YOU DO?

If you have boxes of photos or albums that need to be organized and/or updated, Second Impression Photo can help! We will digitize all of your images and convert to your choice of computer image files, DVD slideshow, or published photo albums.
This service is provided by individual quote based on quantity, condition, and labelling/organization of photographs as well as desired output.
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HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK?

First we digitize your original image using a slide, negative, or flatbed scanner. In some extreme cases, such as when the original image is stuck to glass, we may use a copystand to duplicate the original image. These processes will not cause harm to the original image. The newly-created digital file is then manipulated and repaired using photo-editing software. After the image has been restored, it is printed on archival-quality photo paper as well as saved in digital format. You will receive your original print, restored print(s) and digital image (via email or burned to CD.)
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WHAT CAN AND CANNOT BE FIXED?

What we can do to restore your photograph depends on the condition of the image you submit.
Here are a few examples of what we can and cannot do to your image.

We can:

  • repair faded, darkened, stained or discolored images.
  • repair tears and cracks in the image.
  • remove dirt, dust, and spots from your image .
  • sharpen images.
  • recreate some missing areas caused by tears, burns, etc.
  • color-correct images damaged by incorrect processing, fading, time.
  • convert color prints to black & white or sepia tone.
  • colorize black & white or sepia prints.
  • selectively colorize images.

Unfortunately, we cannot always:

  • improve all image sharpness caused by blur in original image.
  • enlarge small photos to a very large size.
    note: camera phone images are very poor quality and will not restore well.
  • remove all grain/sharpen very grainy images.
  • restore large missing areas of your image. To help us best recreate missing images, please include any other images you may have which represent the missing details, ie. Photos showing missing faces, places, etc.
  • work with copyrighted images without written consent from the copyright holder. With extremely old images in which the photographer has gone out of business, we may be able to make an exception.
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HOW SHOULD I SEND MY PICTURES TO YOU?

There are two basic ways to submit your images:
1. SUBMIT ELECTRONICALLY
Scan your images and send to us via email (orders@secondimpressionphoto.com) or burned to CD to:
Second Impression Photo, Holly Piper-Smith, Proprietor, 211 S. Walnut St., Milford, DE 19963

Guidelines for scanned images:
  • Please scan or have scanned in jpeg format at 600 dpi or higher.
    Greater resolution and file size will result in more detail available to us to restore.
  • Please scan all images in RGB color, even if they are black & white images.
  • If you are unable to scan your own image, visit your local copy center for assistance, or send original image via US mail (see below.)
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2. SUBMIT PAPER ORIGINAL

  • Please package your original image carefully between two pieces of cardboard
    or similar protection to ensure its safe transit. The cardboard should be a bit larger than the largest photo. Mark package “Do Not Bend” and “FRAGILE” as applicable.
  • Second Impression Photo highly recommends purchasing insurance/tracking for your package. Second Impression Photo is not responsible for damaged or missing shipments. We will always ship back your original work in a responsible manner.
  • If your image is stuck in/to its frame, please do not attempt to remove it. Send the framed image, making sure to use extra padding and care in packaging the image for shipment and mark “FRAGILE.”
  • Please do not send scans of slides or negatives. Please send originals.
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I AM WORRIED ABOUT SENDING MY ORIGINAL PHOTO THROUGH THE MAIL – CAN I STILL SUBMIT? CAN I SEND SCANS?

Yes. Please see guidelines for submitting electronic images.
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HOW LONG BEFORE I RECEIVE MY RESTORED PHOTOS?

Turn time is typically 7-10 days from our receipt of your package unless we are required to repair major damage or large quantities, in which case we will contact you with an estimated turn time. Please allow us more time during rush season (October through Christmas).
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HOW MUCH WILL MY PHOTO RESTORATION COST? HOW DO I PAY YOU?

At present, pricing is by individual quote and depends upon the extent of damage to the image. We will not begin any work until you agree to the quoted fee.
PayPal and money order are accepted.
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WHAT INSTRUCTIONS SHOULD I SEND WITH MY PICTURES?
The more information you can provide us, the better job we can do restoring your image.

If you are mailing your original photos, please use the Print Order Form, providing us contact information, number of images in the package, payment information, and detailed instructions for services desired.

If you are emailing files, use the Email Order Form or provide all necessary information in the body of your email.. Please provide as much detail as possible regarding what you would like done.

Please use a separate order form for each image.

If there are specific areas that you want enhanced -- or areas to tone down -- please provide descriptions. We can also work within your pricing guidelines to restore an image within your budget.
If no detailed information is provided, we will treat your image with basic restoration service (scan, sharpen, crop, brighten, and print.)

Please do not write instructions on the back of the originals.


COLORIZING: Please be specific color preferences (ex. “true to nature”, “50’s style colorized”, etc.) and give all details needed regarding hair and skin tone, clothing and background. Make sure you tell us if you want a color original converted to black-and-white, or a sepiatone image made from a black-and-white.
COMPOSITE OF TWO OR MORE IMAGES: Provide detailed instructions. Make sure to indicate individuals to be cut or added to the picture, the primary source picture, and additional source pictures. Please send any similar pictures you have which will help us reconstruct missing details in original image.

WHAT KIND OF PRINTS WILL I RECEIVE?

Unless otherwise requested, you will receive one (1) 4"x6" archival print, one low-resolution digital image (suitable for email, blogging, etc.) and one high-resolution (print resolution) digital image, as well as your original submitted image.

Please contact us for info on large transfers to DVD slideshow.
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WHAT DO I DO IF MY PHOTO IS COPYRIGHTED?

Duplication of copyrighted images without express consent from the copyright-holder is illegal. Photos taken by a professional photographer, such as family or school portraits, are often copyrighted.

If your original image has a copyright symbol, it is your responsibility to obtain a Release Waiver signed by the copyright holder allowing the original to be reproduced. The Release Waiver must accompany any copyrighted original that you send. If the copyright holder is either no longer in business or cannot be located, please provide your signed statement indicating that you are unable to locate the copyright holder and that you will be solely responsible for the images to be reproduced. Second Impression Photo will not be held responsible for copyright infringement.
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WHAT IS YOUR PRIVACY POLICY?

Second Impression Photo will not share your personal information, however, your name and address will be archived with your backup file for our reference and for your ease should you desire future reprints. We will not keep any financial information on file.
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HOW DO I CONTACT SECOND IMPRESSION PHOTO?

By e-mail: email@secondimpressionphoto.com
By phone at 302-355-9484.
By U.S. Mail:
Second Impression Photo, Holly Piper-Smith, Proprietor
211 S. Walnut St., Milford, DE 19963 USA
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We are more than happy to answer any specific questions you may have about your images.

Feel free to email us at mail@secondimpressionphoto with ideas or special requests.

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