Information About Artistic Photographic Image Restoration, Repair, and Retouching

The when, how much, what, where, and why of image restoration at Ray Litman Photo Graphics. Each customer's special needs and final product are the guide used to determine the cost and acceptance of any given assignment. We can restore any image no matter the condition! We can reproduce, alter and deliver the new image in ANY format that meets our customer's needs. Doing that within your time frame and budget amount is the true challenge. First can we get it done in Time? Second can you afford to have us do the work needed? Please read on to begin understand the answers to those questions.

The simple answer to how long it takes is three fold. One is how many clients are in front of your job and what are their deadlines. The second is the amount and type of restoration your image(s) needs. The last part is how long it takes to do the final output of your restored image.

In general we have between one and two weeks work in front of any given assignment. While there are times we can place you before other work in the Que. to meet a special deadline, we can't always move new work ahead of those jobs already in house. If your image comes in broken into small fragments or requires both restoration and tinting, plan on at least a month. Some image restorations are done in stages with client approval between working sections.

We have reluctantly turned down work required the same day to meet a birthday celebration and several times when the loss of a loved one and the need for a funeral display could not be meet in time.

The restorations are an artistic endeavor and may not be able to be completed just to meet a deadline no matter how much money is thrown at the project. If you have several weeks or a month there is almost no image that can not be restored in time. In general the busiest time is right before the winter holidays. For that reason almost no new work that arrives after December first is ready before the second week in January. Please try to plan accordingly.

For a more specific answer and current workload contact us by email for an estimate. When writing to us about an image we need to know the size of the original, color or B&W, describe the overall condition and what you would like in the way of a final image. Our snail mail address is; RLPG • P.O. Box 5031 • Glendale AZ 85312-5031

The pricing of a restoration project can be complex. How soon is the image required and how much (time) work will the image require? We base our charges on $60.00 US per hour. The first step is either to photographically or electronically copy the image. The original is always returned in the same shape as received.

The working image is then altered in the computer as needed. While it takes but a moment to read that phrase, it can take from minutes to days to complete. The completed computer file is then reproduced to a negative, transparency or a print. The print can be either a direct from computer to inkjet printer (up to a maximum of eight feet X whatever length) or a true light on paper photographic image (limited to about 8X10 inches). For photographic print images larger than 8X10 inches, or in large quantities, an internegative is always made first.

Look over the sample page with the price of the retouching for various images and then the print and output price schedule for the cost of complete project. Price equals; retouching + output + shipping.

Payment:
Payment must be in US dollars and be made in full prior to the shipping of the final project. If you wish to pay by credit card please let us know.

As always, please feel free to contact us by email for an estimate. After we discuss your needs we will give you a written ESTIMATE of costs. Only after receiving and reviewing your original in person will we be able to give you an exact price or completion date. If we can not meet your needs in price or time we will return the original to you immediately. This is usually due to miscommunication about the actual condition of the original.

When writing to us about a restoration project we need to know the size of the original, color or B&W, describe the overall condition and what you would like in the way of a final image. Our snail mail address is; RLPG • P.O. Box 5031 • Glendale AZ 85312-5031

• Never ship glass with the original image!
  Unless the photo is adhered to the glass. ( Special Instructions )

  Place image between 4 layers of rigid cardboard (2 top - 2 bottom)

  Ship via FedEx or Insured and Registered Postal Service

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