Frequently Asked Questions
Photo Restoration FAQs
Q. Do you prefer I send the original?
A. We prefer that you send us a high quality digital scan or a faithful copy of the original.
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If you have a good scanner, scan your image at the appropriate resolution, and make sure to scan it in color, even if it’s black and white.
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Have a photographic duplicate made of your photograph or slide.
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Take it to a Service Provider like Kinko's and have them scan it for you, then send me the disk, or upload the scanned image(s) to us.
Q: What Resolution should I scan my photo(s)?
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For Photos 2x3 in. or smaller-----Scan at 600 dpi (dots per inch).
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For Photos 2x3--5x7 in. -----Scan at 400 dpi.
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For Photos 5x7 and larger -----Scan at 300 dpi.
Q. If I send an original photo is it safe? Do you alter the original?
A. As stated earlier, we prefer a digital scan or a faithful reproduction. We ask that you ship using USPS Certified Mail or an equivalent service. Once received, your photo(s) are safe with us. The original picture is scanned to obtain a digital copy. All restoration work is done using the digital copy only. Your original will be returned insured by USPS Certified Priority Mail unharmed.
Q. How should I package my photos?
A. Be sure to do the following:
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Place photos between two pieces of cardboard or similar protection. The cardboard should be a bit larger than the largest photo.
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Use a padded envelope or special "Photo Mailer" package if you wish.
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Envelope or package should be marked "Do not bend" on both sides.
Q. Are there any photos you can't fix?
A. We will attempt to restore every photo regardless of its condition. If there is something there, even if most of it isn't, we can salvage it. We will let you know in advance if it can be done, what to expect, and the cost of doing so.
Q. What will I receive back when I place an order?
A. You will receive by mail, any prints that you have requested, along with a DVD of all your photos.
Q. How long does it take to complete my order?
A. It depends on the quantity and the amount of damage. Most orders can be completed within seven days. Rush orders can be requested with an additional charge.
Q. What is the advantage of copy photos to DVD versus prints?
A. There are many benefits:
- Stop the deterioration of your prints and slides.
- Stop the color shift, fading, and loss of detail.
- Digitized photos and slides will not deteriorate when properly stored.
- Organize your entire photographic collection on DVD.
- Easily share your entire collection with family and friends.
- You can easily order prints from your DVD
- Easily locate and view your photographic collection on DVD.
- Protect your collection from disasters such as fire and floods by storing a back-up CD or DVD copy at another location.
Q. Can I review the restoration results before shipment to me?
A. Yes. We will send a proof by email attachment for your review and approval.
Q. Do you offer any guarantees?
A. We guarantee you will be 100% happy with the results of your order. Our goal is to leave you more than satisfied. If you are not, contact us, and we will make the needed changes at no extra cost to do so. We guarantee our work to be the highest quality around!
Slideshow FAQ's
Q. What kind of payments do you accept?
A. We accept Master Card, Visa, Debit Cards through Paypal™, Money Orders, and Cashier Checks.
Q. What are photo editing services?
A. Photo editing services are done to fix flawed pictures, such as faded, over-exposed, scratched, torn, & yellowed pictures. It also includes cropping, brightening, red-eye removal, leveling tilted pictures and more. We suggest that any photos Click Here to see examples.
Q. Can I view my slideshow in advance?
A. Of course. Before the final production, we will send you a sample clip, so you will get a feel of how the slideshow will look. This will allow you to make any changes before we place your slideshow production on DVD. Our goal is to leave you MORE THAN SATISFIED!
Q. Do you guarantee my slideshow to be a certain length?
A. Length vs. Quality: At Sharper Pics, we don't believe that a slideshow should be based on time; it should be based on the number of photos, and the amount of text you have for text slides or added to photos. Ideally, each picture should take 6-8 seconds, including the transition. Any shorter, and the show feels rushed. Any longer, and you become anxious for the next picture, and the show feels drawn out. There are going to be exceptions, such as time needed to read text, or a photo that perhaps has a lot going on, and may take longer to view.
Q. What if my time length to show the video is constrained?
A. That is not a problem. We can make any slideshow any length you choose. We will help you decide if we need to remove or add photos to the show, so that it is aesthetically pleasing to the viewer, and still meets your time constraints.
Q. What program do you use to create your creative slideshows?
A. There is plenty of software available to create a slide show with varying degrees of effect and difficulty. At Sharper Pics, we use several of the latest commercial software products in which all of our technicians are adept at using.
Q. Can I add video or verbal messages on the slide show presentation?
A. Yes, just send us your messages and we will be happy to include them in your slideshow video album presentation. For best quality please place it on a DVD/VHS or any computer file type.
Q. What about copyrighted music?
A. All the music on our slideshows is owned by Sharper Pics. Music on your Slideshow DVD is for personal use only and is not to be used for commercial purposes.