How it Works
How it Works
Step 1 — Request a Quote
Email a scan or photo of the image for a free evaluation.
If you do not have a scanner, a clear photo taken with your phone is often enough for an initial quote. Once the project is approved, you can either email a high-resolution scan or mail the original photograph.
Email: kwalkerphoto@gmail.com
You may send your image in one of two ways:
Email a high-resolution scan
Many people scan photographs at home or at a library, local print shop, or office supply store.
Mail the original photograph
If you prefer, you may mail the original print for professional scanning and restoration. Photographs are handled carefully and returned with your finished order.
Mailing address:
Karen Walker Studio
[PO Box or mailing address]
Once the photograph is received, the restoration work begins. Each image is restored by hand with careful attention to detail and a natural, historically respectful result.
All restorations include a high-resolution digital file that you may keep and print as you wish. The file will be delivered by email, so please be sure I have your current email address.
If you mailed your original photograph, it will be carefully packaged and returned promptly once payment has been received.
Professional-quality prints are also available through the professional photo lab I work with if you would like finished prints made for you.
Payment is required before digital files are delivered and before any original photographs or prints are returned or shipped.
Feel free to email a quick snapshot of the photograph for a free evaluation. Many images that appear badly damaged or faded can often be restored more than people expect.
Email is the best way to contact me. I check it often. We may also talk by phone to discuss your project, but please understand, I do not spend much time by the phone and I hate to text. Please leave a message. I promise I'll call you back, usually within 24 hours.
Many people feel nervous about mailing a precious family photograph, and that’s understandable. While I have never had a photograph lost in the mail, there is always some risk when sending irreplaceable items.
For that reason, I often recommend emailing a high-quality scan of the photograph whenever possible. A scan made at 600 dpi or higher will usually provide excellent results for restoration.
If you prefer to mail the original print, it can still be done safely with careful packaging, and the photograph will be returned promptly with your finished order.
If you choose to mail an original photograph, place it between two pieces of clean, stiff cardboard slightly larger than the print to prevent bending. The photograph can be placed in a protective sleeve or envelope between the cardboard pieces and then mailed in a padded envelope if it's a small photo or in a box if it's a larger photo. For added security, you may wish to use tracking or insured mail. I receive packages through a secure PO box, where mail is safely held until I pick it up.
For best results:
• Scan the photograph at 600 dpi.
• If the photo is small and will be enlarged, scan at 1200 dpi.
• Include about ¼ inch of space around the edges of the photograph so that no part of the image is accidentally cropped.
• Scan the image in color mode, even if the photograph is black and white. This helps capture subtle tones and details that may assist in the restoration process.
• Save the file as a high-quality JPEG or TIFF.
• Do not make any changes or repairs to the photo before sending it.
If you do not have a scanner, many office supply stores, libraries, or print shops can make high-quality scans for you.
Having restored thousands of photographs over the past three decades, I understand that many are irreplaceable family treasures. Each one is handled with great care and respect.