Original damaged photo
The original photograph shows creases, scratches and loss of detail.
Before and After Photo Restoration Examples
Examples of hand-restored photographs using careful repair and true-to-life restoration.
See how damage, detail, fading, likeness and artificial-looking results are handled.
Most enquiries receive a response within 24 hours with a clear quote and expected turnaround.
A clear phone photo is usually enough for an initial assessment.
Case study: restoring a heavily damaged portrait
This example shows how multiple types of damage were repaired by hand without changing the character or features of the original photograph.
Before
After
How this photograph was restored
- Heavy creases and tears repaired by hand
- Faded and discoloured areas brought back
- Tonal correction used to recover depth and clarity
- Final adjustments kept the result consistent with the original image
Why hand restoration mattered here
There was not an auto-fix or filter applied to this image. The restoration focused on understanding the original photograph, its age, the damage it sustained and its period characteristics.
AI vs hand photo restoration
Automated tools can improve surface appearance quickly, but they often smooth away detail, alter facial structure and invent textures that were never present in the original photograph.
Hand restoration is slower, but it preserves what is real.
View the full AI vs Hand Restoration comparison
AI restored version
The AI version appears smoother but loses texture and introduces synthetic detail.
Hand-restored version
The hand-restored result keeps the detail, texture and character of the original.
Different types of damage need different approaches
These examples show how different restoration problems are handled, from fading and tonal loss to missing sections and surface damage.
Before
After
Fading and loss of detail
Type: family photograph
Issues: fading, weak contrast, detail loss
Typical turnaround: 2 - 4 days
Heavy fading reduced contrast and weakened important detail. Tonal correction restored clarity without making the image look harsh or over-processed.
- Contrast rebuilt without harsh edges
- Lost detail recovered where still present
Before
After
Missing areas and reconstruction
Type: portrait
Issues: missing sections, structural loss, surface damage
Typical turnaround: 4 - 7 days
Where parts of the original image are missing, repair requires careful reconstruction from visible surrounding detail while keeping the result believable.
- Missing sections rebuilt with restraint
- Structure preserved without inventing character
Before
After
Surface damage and wear
Type: vintage photograph
Issues: marks, tears, creasing, wear
Typical turnaround: 3 - 6 days
Surface damage can distract from important details. Careful hand repair removes disruption while keeping tonal balance and original character intact.
- Marks and tears removed carefully
- Original texture and tone preserved
Need an assessment for your photograph?
A clear phone photo is usually enough for an initial assessment, quote and expected turnaround.