If you are a photograph, you might have a tough time surviving everything life throws at you.

Ok, I'll admit it. That's me, the baby, in my mother's arms, next to my mother's mother, and her mother sitting in front. Four generations plus my sister on the right. It's too bad we're not all looking at the camera, but what do you expect when a baby is involved?

This couple is dressed for a special occasion, but the setting wasn't very formal. Take them away from the clutter and bring them closer together, and you have a nice portrait.

This tiny locket photo was the only surviving image of this brother and sister together when they were young. Aren't they adorable?

They've all been to a party but I think the cameraman had too much to drink. The photo was blurry right from the start. Not all blurry or out-of-focus photos can be sharpened successfully, but most can be dramatically improved.

Cabinet cards were made by the thousands during the late 1800s. Most were excellent quality and are only now beginning to show the ravages of time. 

These young ladies were barely visible in the original slide. But the day looks much brighter with a little TLC. The new image looks a lot less scary and can now be shared with their children and grandchildren.

This woman was probably tired of listening to her daughters' chatter. But we just need a photo of Mom to remember her by.

They served together and will stay together forever. This military group photo was damaged, but worst of all, it had a lot of pen marks. Not an uncommon problem.
Respect to the men of the USS Texas.

This good-humored man passed away not long after these photos were taken. The photo needed some help to be the best version of a dear soul.

Trimming a photo to fit a picture frame is very common. But if you get a new frame, you may need a new portrait.

His widow said her husband was always smiling. This photo was exactly the expression she wanted to remember forever. This new portrait was made as a remembrance at a wedding reception.

This gentleman was a proud veteran. To commemorate his time in the military, I was able to find a photo of his ship on the internet and combined it with this nice snapshot.

Documents are an important piece of history, too. And often, they sustain more damage than photographs. Fortunately, they can be brought back to life just like photographs. This certificate honors the namesake of a local American Legion Hall.