Replacing missing or damaged photo elements is a rewarding art form. As dramatic as the results can be, the positive reactions of the recipients is worth more than the monetary rewards. These photos are often much more than static images. They are our history, our memories and our legacy to future generations. We need to take better care of them.

Old photos are like endangered animals. Once gone they can never be replaced. Preventing the kind of damage you see below is the most cost effective. The effects of chemicals in scrapbooks, albums and framing, as well as air pollution, body oils, sunlight, decoupage, and other hazards can destroy them over time. Store them properly and if you want to give copies to others or use them for creative displays, please make copies and keep the originals in storage.

Restoration Samples, Information on restoration techniques, storage, and conservation od materials can be found in the Data sheets below, Links to related resources, and some Conservation suppliers are provided below.

The technical definition would be using any digital technique to alter photo elements. If there is a line between imaging and restoration, its a blurry one. The general consensus is that:

• Removing damage and rebuilding missing elements is Restoration (non taxable)
• Removing unwanted photo elements or cosmetic flaws is Retouching
• Adding or combining elements to create a new photo is Imaging, Compositing or Illustration.

Example of a common photo retouching job:

The problem, an old 3x2.5" snapshot found in grandma's garage. It's yellow, dirty, mold-spotted, tape covering parts of the image area, and parts of the surface pulled off.

And this informal shot is all that's left of a cherished family member.

A creative retouching can easily make a gift-quality photo out of something like this.

Sandra Ragan © 1998

As long as we were working on the photo I decided to see what it would look like with a little color...

Dad's first response was, "I don't think we know those people any more." (Least We Forget)

Sandra Ragan © 1998

Another use of retouching is to add or remove elements and people. This publicity photo for the San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown's Office's Annual Management Award was taken in the center of the newly opened Main Library. One of the recipients was not available at the time of the shoot.