Got a question? You may find the answer below before getting in touch.
This page covers the most common questions about editing and restoring old or damaged photos, including how the process works, pricing, turnaround times, and what results you can expect.
Whether you’re looking to restore a treasured family photograph or understand how professional Photoshop editing works, you’ll find clear, honest answers below to help you get started.
Getting Started
How do I get started with a project?
Simply visit the Hire Me page and submit your image along with a description of what you’d like done. The more detail you provide, the easier it is to assess your project and provide an accurate quote.
How will I receive a quote?
Every project is reviewed individually. Once I’ve assessed your image and requirements, you’ll receive a clear quote before any work begins.
What if my project is complex?
No problem — complex projects are assessed in detail before work begins. I’ll work with you to fully understand what you need and provide a clear plan and quote.
Is there a minimum or maximum order size?
There is no minimum — you can submit a single image if needed.
For larger batches, this can be discussed as a project. Turnaround time may vary depending on volume.
How do I order?
Browse the available services on the Hire Me page and submit your request using the form provided. If you’re unsure which service you need, you can submit a custom request and I’ll guide you.
Pricing & Quotes
How much does photo restoration cost?
The cost depends on the condition of the image and the level of work required. Simple edits are typically lower cost, while heavily damaged or complex restorations require more time and detail. Each image is assessed individually to provide an accurate quote.
Why can’t you give a fixed price upfront?
Every image is different. Factors such as damage, resolution, missing areas, and required edits can vary significantly, so pricing is based on the time and complexity involved rather than a fixed rate.
What affects the cost of a restoration?
Pricing is influenced by several factors, including:
- The level of damage (tears, fading, missing areas)
- Image quality and resolution
- The complexity of the edits required
- The amount of detail reconstruction needed
Do you offer pricing for multiple images?
For larger projects or multiple images, pricing is assessed based on the overall scope of the work. Where images are similar or require consistent edits, this may be reflected in the final quote.
Turnaround & Process
How long does photo restoration take?
Turnaround times vary depending on the complexity of the work. A timeframe will be agreed before work begins.
If revisions are requested, this may extend the delivery time slightly.
Can I request a specific deadline?
You can include a time frame when submitting your project, but I don’t guarantee fixed deadlines.
Each project is completed based on its complexity and current workload. If you have a time frame in mind, it can be discussed before work begins
What happens if I need the work urgently?
I don’t offer an express or rushed service. Each image is edited carefully to ensure the best possible result.
If you have a timeframe in mind, you’re welcome to mention it when submitting your project, and I’ll let you know if it’s achievable.
Will I be kept updated during the process?
For most projects, key updates are provided at important stages, especially if input or approval is needed.
Results & Limitations
Can you fully restore any photo?
Most photographs can be significantly improved, but results depend on the condition of the original image. I will always advise you on what is realistically achievable before work begins.
You can also read my how to get the best quality photos for editing page to understand how image quality affects the final result.
Will the restored photo look exactly like the original?
The goal is always to achieve a natural, high-quality result. However, in cases where detail has been lost or heavily damaged, some level of interpretation may be required.
Can you restore very low-quality or blurry images?
Improvements can often be made, but there are limits to how much detail can be recovered from very low-resolution or heavily blurred images. I will assess this before starting and explain what’s possible.
Can you change a background or add/remove elements?
This depends on the image and the complexity of the edit. I will assess your request and advise what is realistically achievable before work begins
Do you guarantee results?
Each image is different, and results depend on the condition of the original photo. I will always advise what is realistically achievable before work begins
Revisions & Changes
Do you offer revisions?
Yes — each project includes up to 2 minor revisions as standard, to refine the final result and ensure you’re happy. Minor revisions might include small adjustments to colour, detail, or corrections.
Any additional revisions beyond the included two may require extra work and a new quote. Full details are outlined in the Terms of Service.
What counts as a revision?
Revisions are minor adjustments to refine the existing work, such as small corrections or tweaks to details. Larger changes or new edit requests may be treated as additional work.
Can I request completely different edits after work has started?
If the request changes the scope of the original project, it may require a revised quote. This ensures the time and work involved are fairly reflected.
What if I’m not happy with the final result?
I aim to deliver a result you’re satisfied with. Each project includes up to 2 minor revisions to refine the work and address any small adjustments you’d like.
Because every image is different, results depend on the original photo’s condition, and some limitations may apply. I’ll always advise you on what is realistically achievable before work begins.
Full details are included in the Terms of Service
Files & Formats
What file types can I send?
Most common formats are accepted, including JPG, PNG, and RAW files.
What if my files are large?
If your files are too large to upload through the form, alternative file-sharing options can be arranged.
What format will my final image be delivered in?
Final images are typically delivered as high-resolution JPG files suitable for print and digital use.
If you need a different format (such as PNG etc.), this can be requested before work begins.
Can I receive a Photoshop (PSD) file?
Layered Photoshop files are not typically provided as part of standard delivery. If you have a specific requirement, this can be discussed before work begins.
What happens if I lose my final files?
It is important to keep a safe copy of your final images once delivered. Files are not stored long-term, so I may not be able to resend them at a later date.
Do you keep backups of my images?
Original files and final delivered images are kept for a short period after delivery (typically up to 14 days) and are then deleted.
Edited versions of the work may be retained for portfolio or promotional use, unless agreed otherwise in advance. It is your responsibility to store your final files securely once received.
Usage & Rights
Who owns the final image?
You always retain full ownership of your original images. Edited images are delivered for your use, and I may use them for my portfolio, website, or social media (including before-and-after examples) to showcase my work.
If you’d prefer your images not be used this way, you can opt out by selecting the relevant option in the contact form or letting me know before work begins, and your privacy will be fully respected.
Will my images be used on your website or social media?
Work may be used for portfolio or promotional purposes, including on my website and social media, to showcase the quality of my work.
Can I request my images not be shared publicly?
If you would prefer your images not to be used publicly, this can be requested before work begins.
Payments & Project Terms
When do I pay?
Payment terms will be clearly outlined when your quote is provided. Work will only begin once payment has been received and confirmed. This ensures your project is secure and scheduled properly.
How do I pay?
Payment is typically handled securely via PayPal. Full details will be provided when you’ve accepted the quote.
What happens after I accept the quote?
Once you’re happy with the quote and payment has been received the project will be scheduled and work will proceed as agreed.
Can I cancel a project after it has started?
If a project is cancelled after work has begun, this will depend on the stage of the work completed. Any time already spent on the project may still be chargeable.
Additional Services
Do you work with international clients?
Yes — all services are provided remotely, so you can submit and receive your images from anywhere.
Do you offer printing services?
I currently focus on digital restoration and editing. Final image quality depends on the original photo, but files are prepared to achieve the best possible result for both digital use and printing where suitable.
About the Service
Why should I choose a professional instead of using an app or AI tool?
Automated tools can be useful for basic edits, but more complex restoration and detailed retouching require careful judgement and experience. Professional editing allows for greater control, more natural results, and attention to the finer details that automated tools often miss.
What makes your service different?
Each project is handled individually with a focus on quality, realism, and attention to detail. The goal is always to achieve a natural result that respects the original image.
Is my photo worth restoring?
In many cases, yes — especially for images with personal or historical value. Even photos in poor condition can often be significantly improved, helping preserve memories that might otherwise be lost.
Common Questions About Photo Restoration
How does photo restoration work?
Photo restoration involves carefully repairing and enhancing damaged or aged images using professional editing techniques. This can include removing scratches, fixing tears, restoring faded areas, improving clarity, and correcting tones.
Each image is restored aiming for a natural, realistic result that tries to stay true to the original photograph.
Can old photos really be restored?
Yes — in many cases, old photos can be significantly improved, even if they are heavily damaged or faded. The level of restoration depends on the condition of the original image, but meaningful improvements are often possible.
Before starting, I’ll always assess the photo and explain what can realistically be achieved.
Is it worth restoring old photos?
For many people, absolutely. Restoring a photo can preserve important memories, improve clarity, and make images suitable for sharing or printing again.
Even if a photo isn’t perfect, a professional restoration can often make a noticeable and worthwhile difference.
How much does it cost to edit or restore a photo?
The cost of photo editing or restoration varies depending on the level of damage, detail required, and overall complexity of the work. Simple editing or restorations are typically lower in cost, while heavily damaged or highly detailed images require more time and precision.
Each project is quoted individually to ensure accurate pricing based on the specific image.
Common Questions About Photo Editing
What types of photo editing do you offer?
I offer a range of professional photo editing services including photo restoration, retouching, background changes, object removal, and general image enhancement. Each project is handled individually based on your specific requirements.
Can you edit modern digital photos as well as old ones?
Yes — I work with both old photographs and modern digital images. This includes everything from restoring damaged prints to enhancing recently taken photos.
Can you fix blurry or out-of-focus photos?
Some improvements can be made to slightly blurry images, but heavily out-of-focus photos have limitations. I’ll always review the image first and let you know what’s realistically possible.
Can you remove people or objects from a photo?
Yes — objects, distractions, or unwanted people can often be removed. The final result depends on the original image and what needs to be replaced in the background.
Can you improve the quality of a photo?
In many cases yes – I can enhance clarity, improve colour, and refine details. However, the final quality will always depend on the original image.
Can you colourise black and white photos?
Yes — black and white photos can be colourised to give them a more modern and lifelike appearance. Each image is carefully worked on to ensure colours look natural and believable.
Colourisation can be a more detailed process, especially for complex images. Where possible, I may ask if you remember specific colours (such as clothing, backgrounds, or important details) to help achieve a more accurate result.
Because of the time and detail involved, colourisation is typically priced higher than standard editing.
The final result depends on the detail available in the original image — you can learn more about this in my Photo Quality Guide.
Can you combine multiple photos into one?
Yes — in some cases, elements from different photos can be combined into a single image. This depends on image quality, lighting, and perspective.
Can you edit photos taken on a phone?
Yes — phone photos can be edited and enhanced. For best results, the image should be as clear and high resolution as possible, for restoration work its best to have a high resolution scan of the image if you have a physical copy you wanted edited.
You can also read my guide on preparing your images to understand how image quality affects the final result.
Ready to get started?
If you’d like your photo professionally edited, visit the Hire Me page to request a quote and get started.
Want to learn Photoshop instead?
You can also explore my Photoshop tutorials to learn professional editing techniques step by step.
Still Have a Question?
If you’re unsure about anything, feel free to get in touch through the contact form and I’ll be happy to help.