A Perfect Picture

Digital photo restoration and retouching service at A Perfect Picture is a process that you have complete control over. You decide the amount of restoration you want done to bring your faded photo memory back into focus! A Perfect Picture guarantees 100% satisfaction because your memories are priceless to us.

At A Perfect Picture, the process begins with the scanning of the original photograph to create a high-resolution digital photo master that is then used for the restoration itself. This ensures that your original photo is returned to you completely unaltered. You will be provided with an estimate of the approximate cost and time needed to complete the restoration before the process begins.

By viewing the examples of the “before & after” photos, you may have a better idea of what can be done and what it will cost. If you have any additional questions, please contact us by Email, regular mail, or phone and we will be happy to explain any part of the process, or address any concerns or questions you may have.

Why choose A Perfect Picture?

Our greatest advantage is our attention to detail.  At A Perfect Picture every retouching service correction is done manually, which offers greater control over the entire restoration project. Everything is done at the pixel by pixel level to achieve more pleasing results. Our state-of-the-art computer software (the modern version of the old oil, brush, and canvas), attention to detail, and artistry for photo restoration combined, provide you with a flawless product at a very affordable price.

Will I be able to see the restoration online?

Yes. You will receive information via e-mail on how and when your restoration will be ready for viewing. At that time, the restoration will be viewable (with a watermark) and you will be able to verify your acceptance of the proof, or make any requests for further modifications. At A Perfect Picture, you are the final judge as to whether it is done or not.

Please note the actual quality of restoration is not seen on the Internet due to the 72 DPI (dots per inch) limitations of most monitors.

How long does the photo restoration process take?

Most projects will take 3 to 6 working days. Projects in the “Severe” photo restoration or “Additional enhancement Services” category will usually take longer.  Rush service is available upon request.

What will I get back when I place an order?

You will receive your original photograph, negative or slide, or photographs, negatives or slides, and a print or prints, suitable for framing.

If you chose to have your restoration placed on a Compact Disc (CD), you will receive the following items: The original photo, negative or slide, a copy of the original photo, negative or slide, a copy of the completed restoration at 300 DPI, a copy of the restoration saved at 72 DPI should you decide to view it on the web or email it to family and friends. All items will be returned to you by registered mail.

How do I send my photo?

You can send your photograph by email or by regular mail. We recommend the first method for faster results. Read below for detailed instructions.

1) Electronic Image Transfer

The first step is to scan your photo. When scanning your photo, you will have to decide at what resolution or DPI (dots per inch) is best or practical. Keep in mind that the storage space and transfer time of an image goes up considerably as DPI increases. To be able to print a 5″ x 7″ or 8″ x 10″ photograph, you should scan and save the image with at least a resolution of 300 DPI. Save the file in a JPEG or TIFF format. We can work with many file types but the two mentioned are usually the most commonly available to the home user.

If the scanning of the image is done other than on your machine (i.e. a friends machine or a copy center), the image will probably be to large to fit on a floppy disk and you will have to have the file burned (copied) to a CD or a DVD. When that has been completed put the media, (CD or DVD) containing the image, in your machine’s CD or DVD drive.

Then email the photo to nuphoto@pogaltd.com.

If you don’t have a scanner or know of anyone that has this ability, you can take it to a Kinko’s Copy Center or any local copy center that has the equipment and they will help you.

2) By Mail

Step #1 Place your photo in a baggie between 2 pieces of cardboard (cut slightly larger than the image) and tape the edges of the cardboard.

Step #2 Print your name and return address on the cardboard covering just in case it becomes separated from the outer envelope.

Step #3 Use a Photo Mailer or a box. Make sure you include your name, phone number, address, email address and any special instructions you would like carried out. (Please print off our form to do this). Put this information in the Mailer.

Step #4  Make sure you seal the envelope securely and write, “Photographs DO NOT BEND” on the cover.

Step #5 Write our address on the front and your name and address on the back.

A Perfect Picture
51 Longview Avenue
Lake Hiawatha, NJ  07034

Step # 6 Mail using “Priority Mail”, FedEx, UPS or any carrier you prefer. These steps help ensure the photo arrives safely and gives you a method of tracking the item.

Please Note: — If you cannot safely separate your photograph from its glass or frame, e-mail or phone us for advice.

What do I do if the glass or frame can’t be separated from the photo?

First and foremost, do not attempt to separate the photo from the glass. This will cause further, and possibly irreparable, damage to the photo.

Please call before you prepare the photograph for shipping.

Remove all loose broken glass (glass not adhering to the photo) – leave any glass still adhering to the photograph, and send us your picture. Safely get rid of any loose glass. Be sure to send all fragments of the picture (with or without glass) and the frame if necessary. When it is received, we will scan your photo, as is, into our system using the best method possible.

Are any photos impossible to restore?

Most photos can be restored. Over the years we have seen some that were so badly damaged by age, water, accidental damage or so badly faded by the sun that I am always amazed by what we can do.

The only time I become a little worried is when the subjects face is obliterated, even then we have been able to bring the photograph back to life by using a second photo of the individual to work from.

Some of our clients have called the finished process a miracle but believe me it is not.  Its just a lot of hard work, time, the right tools, and experience.

At A Perfect Picture our photo restoration, retouching and enhancement process allows us to go that extra step to bring your photograph back to center stage.

How do I order additional copies of my restored photo(s) later?

Additional copies can always be ordered at a later date. At A Perfect Picture we store a Master Image of the original and a copy of the restoration, for at least five years after completion of the project. These images are stored on DVD for later retrieval, if necessary.