How to get your photos restored... The RIGHT Way.

Old photos tell a story about your family's past. While everyone wants their favorite memories to last forever, many historic pictures will start to fade over time. Other than natural wear and tear, old photos can also be damaged by water or fires.

Once the damage has occurred, your images will no longer look the same. Fortunately, the right photo restoration techniques can help you quickly repair your favorite images. Often, photo restoration services can completely restore the original image within just a few short days.

What Is meant by the term "Photo Restoration"?

Photo restoration is a fairly straightforward process. Normally, a good artist will digitally scan your damaged picture at a very high resolution. Digital photo restoration software is normally used to repair the damage. Good photo restoration artists will have a full array of tools at their disposal when they are fixing old photos. Without the right tools, a restored photo may look "photoshopped" (fake) or just ridiculous, at best.

After the artist completely restores the photograph using his or her tools, newly printed copies can be made.

High quality photo restoration services will give you many choices with regard to how your new image is printed. Services should always have a full selection and should be able to find the right material to match your picture. For example, a restored portrait of your grandfather from 1910 would look very, very silly if it were reprinted on "glossy" paper!

In the past, the best image restoration techniques were used exclusively by high-end photography studios. Average people could not afford to fix their family photos because the technology was too expensive - and so were the artists! Thankfully, this situation has started to change. Now, you can hire photo restoration services for a fairly affordable price. The bad news? You often get exactly what you pay for.

When searching for a photo restoration company, find someone with several years or more of experience in the industry. They should have the latest scanners, equipment and tools. Ask companies you contact about the resolution they use for digitizing photos and negatives. Ask them what type of scanner they use. If the service is unable to answer quickly, they aren't worth your time or money.

You need to find a company that has a proven track record of success. With the right company, you can get the photo restoration results you need. Ask for samples of before and after work. Ask if they have references. Lastly - and for goodness sake - read reviews!

severely damaged moldy photo

Don't choose the wrong services

While software programs can simplify the photo restoration process, it still takes a great deal of skill to fix damaged images. The entire process begins when you reach out to a photo restoration company. Afterward, an experienced artist will walk you through the entire process. That being said, remember a few things...

Avoid photo restoration services that only allow submission online or ask YOU to digitize your own images.

If you can't walk up to their door and talk about the picture "face to face" then be very, very suspicious.

Digitizing should always be done by a professional with specially calibrated high-end scanners in order to achieve the best result.

Never work with photo restoration services that ask you to drop your items off at a "mailbox" or other location.

Always meet your artists in person and make absolutely sure that your photo is not "sent out" to someone else for restoration.

Many, many services you might find on the internet will offer "one price fits all" plans for photo restoration. Almost always, this is because they hire contractors in other countries who will do the work for a very, very low price. They simply send your photo off (or email a copy of it), pay their contractor about 10%, then present the "new" picture to you as if they did it themselves!

A good service will expertly digitize your photos for you.

Even the best photo restoration techniques will not help if your scanned photos have a low resolution. If you decide to scan your images at home, you should change the scanner settings so that they are set for scanning a photograph instead of scanning a document. Turn OFF all enhancement settings on your scanner such as "color correction." A good photo restoration service will want the image exactly as it looks - without any previous enhancement. Color correction, scratch removal, sharpening and similar features will only lead to problems with your photo restoration.

Even though your photograph may be an old black and white image, you should always scan it as a color photo. Use the highest level of resolution possible (within reason).

If possible, just bypass all the do-it-yourself stuff and have a service do it for you. After all, what are you paying them for?

Your Restoration Specialist

If you want to achieve the best results, you should never try to do a digital photo restoration at home without previous experience. Use a good photo restoration service.

At Heritage Photo Restoration, we take care of your photographs. They never leave our offices. We treat your precious pictures as if they were our own. We can handle torn pictures, faded images and photographs that are stuck to glass. Because we have the best scanners and equipment available, our scanning results are significantly better than the results you can achieve at home.

If you are uncertain about what you can afford, we can easily be reached for an estimate. Once you talk to us about what you need, bring your photos over. If you don't live in the Houston area, you can always ship them to us, but be careful. Call us for detailed instructions about how to safely ship your items. We can explain the whole process and we will make sure you are absolutely comfortable with what we do.

Getting what you Want

Once you reach out, Sandy or Jack will give you a quote within 24 hours. If you want to speed things up, you can take a couple of pictures of the damage. Simply go to our upload page, fill out the form, and attach the pictures there. That way, we get a much better idea of what can be done and what the cost may be.

Once we have your damaged photos, we can begin using the latest image restoration techniques to fix your pictures. Always tell us exactly what you expect. If you want the background changed or objects removed, be sure to tell us!

Want to colorize one of your black and white photos? Just let us know.

Research the Photo Restoration Companies

When you research photo restoration companies, you will see many, many services that promise results within 24 hours. This is a huge red flag. At Heritage, we take longer but we go through several steps to ensure you get exactly what you want.

In general, we can complete most restoration projects within 7-10 days - including printed proofs and revision if you don't care for the restored picture. Mother's day, Christmas, and other busy times may slightly affect schedules, so please keep that in mind.

Of course, if you have a funeral or other event and you need something quickly, we are happy to do everything we can to meet your needs.

As a general rule, you should never work with a photo restoration business that promises 24 hour turnaround on all pictures. Until an artist sees your images, they cannot realistically know how long it might take to provide the best results. Your cherished photos should be treated with care, and rushed efforts will only lead to poor results.

Don’t pay up front for Photo Restoration

We are proud to provide high-end results with every project, so we make sure to take our time and do everything the right way. Unlike other companies, we provide printed proofs, not electronic ones. The only way you can tell if your photos look perfect is by seeing them in person.

You can never tell how a photo will look in the real world by simply viewing it on a smartphone.

Notice how your laptop screen looks a bit different when compared to your phone or tablet? It just isn't a good idea to spend money on photo restoration and then try to pick the best result on an electronic device. There's a huge difference between looking at photos with a million pixels shining in your face -vs- viewing the actual printed image on paper.

We even allow you to take your proofs home. Take up to 10 days to pick what you like - you will probably get 4-5 different versions of your restored photo every time you visit us.This way, you can look at the various options in the light of your own home. Judge the options by going to the room you think you might place the new photo when it's done. You'll always get it right that way!

We never accept money up front. We are confident in our abilities and we trust our customers.

Do you pay your hairstylist before they cut your hair? Do you pay the painter before he repaints the interior of your house? Do you pay the body shop before they fix your car? If your photo restoration service demands full payment before work is done, be very wary.

Why Restore Photos?

In a perfect world, your timeless treasures would look the same forever. Unfortunately, weather changes, accidents and other unforeseen mishaps can end up damaging your pictures. Through photo restoration, you can make your images look new again.

Often, photographs become damaged because of water spots. Sometimes, a glass or cup is inadvertently placed on top of the photo. In Texas, many areas also have high humidity, which can lead to water damage.

There’s really no way around the fact that photos degrade over time.

Look at it this way... As long as there's oxygen, there will be oxidation.

Shopping for services based upon price. Is it a bad idea?

When you're thinking about restoring something as priceless as an heirloom photograph, shopping based upon the cheapest price is a bad idea. The cost of photo restoration services will vary based on your project and where you decide to go.

As a general rule, we charge clients $89 to $300 for our photo restoration services, but we offer very nice package deals. Even if the photos have been extremely damaged, we try to limit the amount we charge. In addition, we give clients a discount when they get multiple images restored at the same time. After you become a customer one time, you'll get a card that entitles you to 20% off all services from that point forward.

Heritage offers 1 free photo restoration to all veterans (regardless of country), current and former peace officers of any kind, first responders, and teachers.

Get REAL Photo Restoration

If you still have questions about photo restoration, Sandy and Jack are always here to help. Heritage Photo Restoration is known as the leading photo restoration company in Texas. While many of our clients are from the surrounding area, we can help customers who are located throughout the country. To learn more about our photo restoration process, contact us today or make an appointment to come in.

3 Reasons Professional Cameras Still Have An Edge Over Smartphones

Everyday phone companies are racing to release the newest, fastest, and most high-tech phone in the market. Advancements in smartphone technology have been rampant, and it doesn’t look like the race is going to end anytime soon!

Smartphones have become a piece of primary equipment for photography for many individuals. In fact, Lady Gaga released a music video shot entirely on a smartphone! So, have we moved past professional cameras, or do they still hold some merit? Here are some features of a professional camera that a smartphone has yet to master.

Lens Versatility

One of the main reasons a professional camera will always reign supreme over a smartphone is due to the copious number of lenses you can buy for it. While smartphones give you a strict set of features that can't be altered, you can always change your professional camera’s range without any problems!

You can get a lens for a wide-angle shot, or telescopic zooms, or even just a regular one for everyday use. You can switch out lenses according to your preference and attach one which will work best for your photoshoot. While smartphones are a cheaper option, they also force you to alter your pictures to their convenience, rather than the other way around!

Foreground Blur

Newer smartphones have dedicated ‘portrait modes’ included in their cameras, making for crisp and focused pictures. It might seem like they’ve reached the same level of clarity as professional photographs, but that’s not the case!

Professional cameras have the ability not just to blur the background, but also the foreground. This feature helps put a sharp focus on the main object and really helps bring it out of the screen.

It adds depth and perspective to your photo, which can be lost if the foreground is visible. And while background blur is commendable, a professional shot will have both features instead of one.

Higher Image Quality

There’s nothing more impressive than snapping a picture that looks exactly like the view in front of you. This can only be achieved by opting for a camera that is excellent at capturing colors and detail.

When it comes to high-quality images, a professional camera will always take the cake. Most professional cameras can capture images in 100MP or more, making for incredibly detailed photography. Plus, it makes printing pictures much easier. You won't have to compromise on quality and look back at blurry pictures that just don't work!

While physical prints of your photography are essential to keep, it can get aggravating when the image starts to fade. Head on over to Heritage and have them restore your old image to its original condition. The company provides damaged picture restorations in Houston, Texas, and other print services. Contact them today for more information.

Why restored photos are important in History

Photographs are an excellent visual record of memories and moments. You can capture as many as you like, and within that image, you will have a piece of visual memory you can always return to. While it's no secret that photography has great artistic and sentimental value, does it also fare well for professional purposes? Many historians regard photographs as a primary source for historical research and study. Pictures can be seen as a valid form of ethnography and are used by many historians while wading through different time periods. Here's why photographs are highly regarded for historical preservation and study.

To Study Marginalized Individuals

While words can be embellished, it’s often difficult to falsify historical images; these pictures are incredibly important for historians who are hoping to study more marginalized subjects. It’s no secret that minorities in history were never given the space to write about their accomplishments and roles in society. In fact, women were often disregarded in historical studies, and it’s only recently that they’re given the space for their accomplishments. While you may not find many books on the achievements of minorities, you can find pictures that tell a different story. And with more pictorial evidence, it became difficult to falsify records about the contributions of women or marginalized communities to society. Historians often use these images as a reference point for further research and study.

To Get Both Sides Of The Story

To justify colonization and invasion in regions, many institutions and political leaders joined hands to demonize the ‘other’, and portray them as savages. These claims were not only inaccurate but also warped the image many had about people living in African, Asian, and Latin American Lands. However, nowadays, historians can see that this was in fact not the case. Along with textual evidence, photographs taken from the time period showed that these 'savage' countries were developed and doing well for themselves. It helped bring to light a less biased story which is now being used to correct records of societal progress worldwide.

To Humanize Public Figures

Something not many people realize is how much a photograph can humanize an individual. You often read about powerful and public figures in history books and have an exalted view of them, but then you see a photograph and it shows a glimpse into their everyday life and the many ways in which they were just regular people. There are various pictures of political leaders laughing with their friends, movie stars playing with their children, and the private lives of men and women that show them as everyday individuals. This glimpse helps historians dig deeper into who they were, what they enjoyed, and how they carried themselves when they didn’t worry about the scrutiny of the public eye!

You never know what vintage picture can help a historian uncover more for their research. Who knows! Maybe your ancestor is a long-lost royal. A great way to preserve old photographs is to keep digital copies that will never be damaged. Get in touch with Heritage for photo scanning services in Houston, TX. You can also get damaged photos restored for an affordable price. Contact them today for more information!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Heat-damaged or Sun-damaged Photo Be Restored?

Over time, sunshine and heat can leach away the colors in your photos. By getting your images restored, you can bring them back to life. Since we take a scan of your photographs, your originals are never affected. Afterward, we use these scans to correct damaged sections. Once we are finished with the photo restoration process, you will have digital versions of your photos that look new again.To repair your photos, we start by equalizing the tonal range in each image. Next, we reapply color tones to make the photo look natural and fix the discoloration. Then, our team carefully removes the halo effect that sometimes appears around the repaired section. Finally, we adjust the color balance, sharpen the image and perform all of the final touches your photos need to look their best.

Can You Fix Photos That Got Wet or Were in a Flood?

It is possible to save photos that were wet or in a flood. If the main subject is still in the image, we can rebuild the surrounding photo or crop some of the damaged areas. We can also colorize water spots and restore faded areas. We can review the images and tell you if it is possible to fix them.

Can You Print on Canvas?

Our team can print on many different surfaces. While many of our clients simply want new versions of their treasured photos, some of our customers are looking for unique gifts. Canvases give photographs a regal appearance and are perfect for your living room or bedroom.

That being said, we do NOT RECOMMEND using Canvas prints near the Gulf Coast or in any area with particularly high humidity levels. Canvas is extremely porous, and inevitably fades and becomes discolored over time. If you do purchase a canvas print, consider spending the extra money to have your print coated with a protective varnish.

Can you restore a picture I have on my phone?

Our Houston restoration experts prefer working with high-resolution photos from a scanner, but we will give you our honest opinion. Sometimes, the results may not be the same, but we can still make some major improvements. To find out if we can fix your photo, contact us today.

Can you take a person out of a photo or move people from one picture to another?

If you want to remove a person or object from your photo, we can help. When you bring us your photos, you should give us clear instructions about what you want. The quality of our results depends on how much of the surrounding photo is available to fill up the empty space. If the photo is a class picture, the entire background is already covered up by teachers and students. Because of this, we might not have enough background details available to fill up the empty space. In comparison, removing one or two people from a photograph of a beach would be fairly simple. Adding people and objects does not have the same problem, so we can easily move people and objects from one photograph to another one.

Do I Get to Keep the Digital Versions of My Originals and My Restored Photos?

You can absolutely keep the digital versions of your originals and your restored photos. They are yours!

Do you carry metal photo prints?

Metal photo prints are durable and resistant to scratches. Because of this, they are a popular option for our clients. If you want metal photo prints, we can help. Our team can discuss the various styles and sizes we have available.

Do you colorize old black and white photographs?

We absolutely do. We utilize a combination of artistic technique and minor AI adjustments with ZERO filters to colorize images.

Do you have photo restoration gift cards?

You can order gift cards whenever you want. Whether you are looking for the perfect birthday present or a gift for the holidays, gift cards are an excellent option. By giving someone a Photoancestry gift card, you can help them preserve their treasured memories for the future.

Do you offer framing services?

Once your photos are completely restored, you can use our custom framing services to make them look their best. We have vintage frames and other customized options. In addition to framing your photographs, we offer matting services as well.

Do you offer photo restoration near me?

If you live in or around Houston, we are not far away. Our offices are located in Bellaire – the center of the Houston Metro Area.

Do you repair or restore old picture frames?

Sometimes, family photos are passed down with vintage frames. Our photography and genealogy experts love working with antiques and beautiful heirlooms. We can generally repair old frames without a problem. To find out if we can restore your favorite frames, reach out to us today.

How can I avoid a bad photo restoration company?

If the photo restoration company is unwilling to give you a free quote, you should find someone else to work with. A good company can create an accurate quote by looking at the photo and reviewing your requested changes. They should never pressure you to sign up for services without telling you the overall costs first.

You should also avoid working with fly-by-night companies that recently opened up. Ideally, the company should have a few online testimonials and a proven track record. Even though our services take much longer to actually perform, we can always give our clients a quote right away.

We believe photo quality matters the most. Because of this, we are not the cheapest or fastest service available. Unlike some companies, we stand by the quality of our results and proudly display our photographs on our website. Before you work with anyone, you should ask to see examples of their past projects. If they are unwilling to show you what their finished projects look like, you should run the other way.

Lastly, “flat rate” photo restoration is generally a bad idea. Avoid places that offer services like “any photo $40.”

How long does photo restoration take?

During quiet months, we often finish projects within 5-7 days. During busier times (such as Mother’s day and Christmas), or If you have extremely damaged photos, it may take us a little longer. We firmly believe that quality is more important than speed, so we take our time perfecting each image.

If you are on a deadline, our photo restoration specialists can help. We do offer rush services.

We do not charge rush prices for memorials or funerals, so please let us know if you and your loved ones are in mourning. When you request your quote, you should let us know when you need to have your project completed.

How long have you been in business?

We have been proudly serving photo customers in Houston since 2007. Over the years, we have developed a reputation for providing the best customer service in the industry. We can help you with photo restoration, custom framing, genealogy, vintage photo modernization, damaged photo recreation and other services.

How Much Does Photo Restoration Cost?

In general, customers can get the services they need for $89 to $300 even with very damaged photos. We provide exact quotes when we are able to see the picture, and the cost depends on how damaged your photos are. We also provide a discount when clients need to restore multiple photos, so you may be able to get a reduced price on a large project.

We painstakingly repair each image, so an extremely damaged photo takes more work. If you are uncertain about how much a photo will cost to repair, you can always ask. Once you have the estimate, you are under no obligation to purchase our services.

When we create our free estimates, we consider how faded, creased and scratched the image is. If we have to reconstruct detailed parts of the photo because of fading and scratches, our services will cost more.

You may also want to invest in additional services as well. Once you see your family photos come to life, you may want to learn more about the history of each family member. Our team provides a range of genealogy services. In addition, we offer custom framing and services for your restored pictures.

Is My Photo Too Badly Damaged to Restore?

There is an excellent chance that we can restore your photograph. In general, it is easier to restore photos that have small water spots and limited sun damage. If your photo has been sitting in a puddle of water for a few months, it might be a little more difficult to restore. In our experience, it is fairly rare to find a photograph that cannot be restored.

Is My Photograph Too Faded to Restore?

We can restore most faded photographs. Even if it is impossible to make the photograph perfect, we can at least sharpen the image. The only way to know for sure if your photograph can be repaired is to ask us. Once we see the photograph, we can tell you what we can do to fix it.

My Photo Is Stuck to the Glass. Can You Get It Off?

When you remove the glass, you can end up damaging the photograph underneath. Thankfully, a little glass will not keep us from restoring your photograph. You can give us a call, and we will tell you how to send the image to our photography studio. In most cases, we will be able to successfully scan the photos with our advanced equipment.

What Does Digital Photo Restoration Mean?

With a digital restoration, you can instantly send your photos from anywhere in the world.

However, we strongly prefer that you bring your photo by or mail your photo. With our advanced scanning system, the results are dramatically improved.

Since we are not the fastest or cheapest service, we take our time restoring each detail of your photographs. Our goal is to focus on quality above everything else.

As a general rule, we never want our clients to print out their own photos because the printer's ink patterns and textures can impact the quality of the photo. Let us fix the photo then find out why we're the best photo printing in Houston.

In essence, digital restoration involves converting physical photos into digital images so that the image can be restored to its former glory.

What Is Photo Restoration?

Photo restoration is when we take your old, damaged photos and make them look new again. The first step involves scanning the photograph at a high resolution. Once this step is done, we can use digital techniques to remove faded areas and signs of damage.

The photo restoration process is completely safe for your old photos. You will be able to keep the originals as well as the new copy of your treasured photographs. Unlike the old version, the repaired photo will be free of water spots and faded areas.

Your photographs are a timeless, irreplaceable part of your family history. Over time, they can naturally start to fade. Instead of losing this connection to your past, you can use our photo restoration services in Houston to make your old images look new again.

What Is the Cost of Photo Colorization?

All of our photo services generally cost between $89 and $600. The total cost of photo colorization depends on how many people are in the background, the photo's damage, the number of items in the photo and similar factors. Generally, colorization does not add significant cost to the price.

What Is the Difference Between Photo Restoration, Photo Retouching and Photo Editing?

We use photo restoration to repair old photos. Often, this process is necessary because of water damage, fading and heat damage. While photo editing and retouching may happen during the restoration process, the goal of photo restoration is simply to make the photo return to its original state.

Meanwhile, photo retouching entails correcting the photo's color, exposure and background. For example, we might remove shadows or elements of the photo to make it look better. Retouching allows us to fix facial wrinkles, hair color and other irregularities. If you want, you can change the background as well. Basically, photo retouching is a process that allows us to hide imperfections and create a more beautiful photo.

Photo editing is an extremely time-intensive process. During this process, we will improve the photo's effects, exposure, lighting and saturation. We can sharpen the image and improve the overall quality of the photograph.

Ultimately, the biggest difference between the three processes is the final goal. Photo restoration is for restoring old or damaged photos. While editing works to improve the photo's natural qualities, retouching enhances the image's visual appeal and brings the technician's artistic vision to life.

What Is the Photo Restoration Process?

The photo restoration process begins with a simple request from a customer. To get started, you just bring us your photo or mail it to us (we can provide instructions for the safe transport of your items). If you just want an estimate, you can snap a picture or scan your photo and upload it to our contact page.

In order to give you an accurate quote, we will need all of your requirements for the finished project. For example, you should tell us if you want people removed, background changes or custom framing.

Within 24 hours, we will send you a quote on our services. If you accept the offer, we will immediately start working on your project. For most projects, we can finish the restoration process within 7 to 21 days. During the busiest times of the year, it may take a little longer. We painstakingly restore each image, so it takes time to produce high-quality, gorgeous photographs. Our goal is to be the best photo restoration company in Houston, so we take our time meticulously editing each image.

Once we are done restoring the photos, you will receive printed proofs - often several versions of the same photo with various differences in lighting and color. YOU get to pick what you like -or- let us know if we made mistakes and we will provide a revised version.

Be wary of services that offer only electronic proofs. Judging a photo based upon a bright computer / smartphone screen is generally a bad idea. We think you have the right to see what the picture will look like in it's final printed form.

What Makes Heritage the Best Photo Restoration Choice?

We’ve been helping Texas residents beautify their photos for more than a decade. We offer a range of photo recreation and enhancement services. When you give us an old photograph, we cherish it as much as you do. Through photo restoration, you can bring your old memories to life.

Our team believes that quality is more important than speed. We take our time fixing old photos so that your family can have new heirlooms to share and fall in love with. In addition to offering a superior quality of photo restoration services, we can also help with art restoration, vintage photo modernization and genealogy. Unlike other companies, we are as passionate about your photos as you are.

What should I look for in a photo restoration service?

When looking for a photo restoration service, you should ask your friends and family members for recommendations. You can also check out the company's online reviews to see if they are a reputable business to work with. Additionally, you should review their website to see if it looks professional or not. Be sure to check out any “before and after photo restoration” sections. Do the images look realistic? Does it look like someone worked on it? Well, it should look realistic and it shouldn’t look like it was altered! Does it look like bad plastic surgery? Your photo should look the way you wanted it to look or exactly like the original picture when it was taken.

How do I choose the best photo restoration service?

A good photo restoration company will always give you a quote on their services. They will also have a track record of successful projects. In general, you will enjoy better results if you hire a company that has at least a few years of experience.

It is important to remember that the fastest and cheapest companies are generally not the best businesses to work with. Your precious photographs represent years of family history and unforgettable experiences. To restore them properly, you need to find a company that prioritizes quality over speed.

In short, it's just like everything else you buy... You get what you pay for.

What will happen to my original photo after restoration?

It depends on what you want to do with the original. If you have the right equipment, you can send us a scan of your photo and keep your original at home during the restoration process. When you send the original image to us, we will make sure to take good care of it. If you want to pick up the original or have it mailed back to you, you should let us know.

Whenever we work with original photographs in our studio, we always handle them with great care. The technician uses linen gloves and a professional scanner during the scanning process. After we finish the scan, we store it using the same acid-free paper that libraries use in their archives. We have not lost an original photo yet, and we plan to maintain our perfect record.

man wondering what negatives in photography are for

Photo Negatives - Why they are called Negatives?

For those born in this century, negatives in photography are probably limited to not getting the light right or getting the angle wrong. Little do they know about the pain of having to wait for your photos to develop from the limited rolls of film, and the absolute devastation when the photos would come out blurred after all that wait.

And naturally, they’ve never come across the brown strips with ghost-like images—also known as the “negatives.”

What Are Negatives in Photography?

Well, in the simplest terms, negatives are the actual photos. Back in the day when digital cameras didn’t exist or weren’t as mainstream, regular cameras required a film strip to be inserted somewhere at the back of the camera in its film progressor.

Then you’d give this roll of film for it to be processed and developed. What you’d get back was a paper sleeve with your processed photos along with the strips from the film that was inserted in the camera earlier. These strips are what we call “negatives.”

Why Do We Call Them Negatives?

This is an interesting question considering the fact that there isn’t anything particularly negative about them—they’re pretty useful! So, one wonders why the bad image—pun intended!

Well, there is a bit of science behind why they’re called negatives. The film in your camera reacts with the light that passes through the lens, and the reaction darkens the film, lowlighting the shapes that eventually show up on the final photos.

If you compare your negatives against the developed phots, you’ll notice that everything that appears dark on the negatives becomes light on the developed photographs and vice versa. The negatives get their brilliant name because of this inverse relationship!

How Are Negatives Useful?

Let’s be real, many of us wondered, as kids, why we received those tiny, ugly brown photos when we had perfectly nice developed ones. Well, at least now we know better. These small seemingly insignificant negative strips, if stored properly, can be developed over and over again!

And here’s the best part: you can now get them digitized! Yes, you heard that right. You can have your negatives converted directly to a digital format, safe keeping them forever! You can also share them with your little Generation Z and Alpha friends on social media!

If you have some negatives lying around that you’d like to digitize, get in touch with a photo restoration service! They will not only convert your negatives, but they’ll also improve the resolution and do some color correction for you!

They also offer damaged picture restoration services and photo scanning services in Houston, TX. Get in touch today to travel back in time!