You can send a high-resolution scan, a sharp phone photo, or a professional copy. A scan between 600 and 1200 dpi is ideal, but newer phones can work if the photo is taken carefully in even light with no glare and the phone held parallel to the print.

Most San Francisco, Palo Alto, and Bay Area clients upload a photo first so Karen can evaluate the image before anything is shipped. If the original needs professional copying or special handling, Karen will guide you on the safest next step.

Yes. For San Francisco, Palo Alto, and Bay Area clients, emailing or uploading a high-resolution duplicate is usually the best first step. Please send the largest, sharpest file available, preferably over 2 MB.

If the file is not good enough for a professional restoration, Karen may recommend a better phone photo, a high-resolution scan, or another safe way to duplicate the original before quoting the full restoration.

Yes. Faded photographs can often be restored by carefully rebuilding contrast, tonal range, missing density, and detail. The goal is to make the image clearer while preserving the original character of the photograph.

Yes. Torn, ripped, scratched, cracked, or creased photos can often be digitally repaired. If important detail is missing, Karen reviews the image first to determine whether the missing areas can be realistically rebuilt.

Many water-damaged photos can be improved, including images with stains, spotting, discoloration, fading, mold marks, or surface damage. Severe water damage may require extra artwork and close review before a final quote is confirmed.

Sometimes. A slightly soft or low-quality image may be improved, but a severely blurry or very low-resolution photo may not contain enough recoverable facial detail. Karen reviews difficult images honestly before accepting the project.

Yes. Black-and-white photos can often be colorized with careful artistic judgment. Karen can also keep the image black-and-white, restore it in sepia, or create both a classic restored version and a colorized version.

Karen does not physically remove damaged photos from glass because the original can be irreparably harmed. In many cases, she can photograph the image through the glass to create a duplicate without glare, then restore the digital copy. The original must be evaluated first.

Karen does not restore directly on your precious original. She duplicates the original first by photographing or scanning it, then restores the digital duplicate and can create an archival print, canvas, framed piece, or high-resolution file from the restored version.

Photo restoration projects start at $750. Most detailed heirloom restorations are commonly quoted in the $800–$1,200+ range depending on damage, missing detail, final size, copy work, prints, canvas, framing, and whether you need a digital file.

Because every damaged photograph is different, Karen needs to see the image before giving an accurate quote.

After the quote is approved, full payment is required before restoration work begins. Because photo restoration is custom artwork, refunds are not provided. Karen takes great pride in the final result and offers one re-edit after delivery to provide the best possible finished restoration.

You can read more client feedback on the Karen Vaisman Photography reviews page.

Yes. Karen offers archival quality prints, canvas, and custom framing so the restored image can become a finished family heirloom. High-resolution digital files, prints, and canvases can be shipped to San Francisco, Palo Alto, and throughout the Bay Area.

Framed pieces may require special handling because glass can be fragile in transit. Karen will discuss the safest delivery option before the project is finalized.

Museum-quality photo restoration means the work is handled with respect for the original image, facial likeness, tonal detail, and historical character. It is not just a quick cleanup; it may include careful retouching, reconstruction, color correction, archival printing, and finishing.

You can try basic restoration yourself, but for archival results and irreplaceable family photos, it is best to work with a professional. Karen creates a high-resolution duplicate, restores the digital copy, and prepares the final image for digital use, archival printing, canvas, or framing.