Initially, Keith asked us to restore the picture of him and his sister in Trafalgar Square when they were children. A few months later he came back to us with a re-enacted picture of the two of them taken recently that they wanted to gift to their mum, and we helped to get it looking as close to the original as possible.
We are sometimes asked to restore an actual physical photograph (photograph preservation) as opposed to restoring a digital scan of the same photograph.
Photograph preservation can improve a photograph, image quality is not usually the primary purpose. Conservators will try to improve the overall visual appearance, but they would find it impossible to match what can be achieved by digital restoration. Because of the knowledge and skill and time required to carry out the physical preservation, the cost is likely to be prohibitive.
Digital restoration has many advantages including:
Brenda C sent us this message to ask if we could help:
I am having new kitchen worktops and was going to have a glass splashback across the cooker wall. I have decided to use two landscape photos placed somehow in the glass splashbacks but details have to be obviously pretty exact.
Would you be interested in creating the photo panorama for the glass manufacturers. It would consist of one landscape view, one central portrait view above the cooker and another landscape view. The photos to be used are of The Solent looking across to the IOW with sailing club yachts. Blue sky with few clouds, blue sea and the yachts have their dark blue spinnaker sails open. Obviously, sky, sea etc have to be in alignment with one another.
We have done this kind of bespoke project before and told Brenda we would be very happy to help. Brenda’s photos above show the original photographs we were supplied with and the finished result. We increased the proportions to allow for the exact placing of the power point positions which meant more sea was required.
Brenda was very happy with the finished result achieved by us and the glass manufacturing company, and sent us this feedback on the final splashback:
Everyone has loved the splashback with not one negative comment. Most comments are ‘Wow’. I love it and every time I go into the kitchen, it looks so clean and bright. I am also pleased that the upstand removes enough of the sea to balance the yachts being so high. Now you have added my splashback on your new website, I have sent the web page link to many friends.
I don’t know how you did it but it was exactly how I wanted it. I have been trying to find each of the yachts from my photos but have given up trying to find them now!
At some point someone obviously thought it would be a good idea to give some of these characters beards and glasses.
That’s where we were able to be helpful to a very grateful customer.
Here’s the before and after
Here’s a photograph montage we completed for our client Stephen F
Here’s Stephen’s feedback:
“The photo is of myself and my grandson Dylan and individual photos were taken 15 years apart. Dylan’s father actually asked if I’d got dressed in my old uniform to have that photo taken, he couldn’t believe the one of myself was 15 years old. I’ve spoken to Dylan and my daughter (his mum) and they are also very happy that you are considering using that photo as they both love it and can’t get over how good it is.”
We now have the ability to sharpen up those out of focus faces that many old photographs suffer from. Sharpening face detail restores lost detail and brings back the true skin tones and all aspects of face detail
Here’s the difference
This photograph was taken on 3rd of February 1962, when Colin and Jan were just 21 and 19 years old. As soon as we saw the photo we were instantly struck by how heart-warming it was, their faces a perfect picture of happiness!
Since 1962 Colin and Jan went on to have four children and four grand-children, and it was their grand-daughter Emily who contacted us in January as she hoped to give her grandparents a restored version of their precious photograph for their 60th wedding anniversary.
Jan says “We got married at the church that was once part of Hanworth Palace owned by Henry VIII. I walked through the door on the arm of my dad and felt part of the history of it all. Hiring the Daimler on the day of our wedding was a luxury I had not known before. The car arrived to take us the short distance to the reception. It was such a happy day I don’t think we noticed the cold February weather.”
Emily tells us that her great-grandfather (Jan’s dad) was the gardener at Hanworth Palace, and when her granddad Colin first visited her Nan, who lived in the grounds, he mistakenly thought he had struck gold, believing Jan’s family owned the estate!
On 3rd February 2022, Emily presented her grandparents with the photograph that we had restored and framed and kindly sent us these photographs of their reaction…
Photographs Forever has recently had some mentions on Boom Radio. Boom is a new radio station which I found a couple of months ago and am really enjoying. There are many presenters we know from other radio stations like Bob Harris and David Hamilton and the music played is just the music that we like (if you were around in the sixties, seventies and eighties).
Nothing like a bit of nostalgia!
Boom represents the spirit of a generation. A UK radio station targeting baby boomers – now aged in their late 50s, 60s and 70s. – who still feel young and seize every opportunity life offers.The presenters they grew up with play the songs with which they share a deep emotional connection. Radio enjoys a special place in people’s lives – and Boomers love it, with 93% of us tuning in. I really recommend it so take a listen.
Here are a few of the presenters that have mentioned Photographs Forever with the sound clips
DAVID LLOYD
After almost retiring, Boom Radio was the dream of David Lloyd. He began in commercial radio in Nottingham as a teenager, fulfilling a dream he’d nurtured since appearing on BBC local radio reading a poem aged 6. He rose through the ranks to manage radio stations in Leicester, Lincoln, Leeds, Birmingham and LBC and Virgin in London – departing only for a brief sojourn in media regulation – and he’s passionate about the project.
NICKY HORNE
For a generation, his was the daring voice on Capital Radio, as the host of ‘Your Mother Wouldn’t Like it’. Nicky was also heard on Virgin and the BBC. Now, surrounded by his own record collection, he broadcasts daily from his lair 4-6 weekdays, playing a wide selection of music, including some treasured album tracks.
‘TWIGGY’ ROGER DAY
Radio has been Roger Day’s life. ‘Your Thinner Record Spinner’ was born in Cheltenham, and began his career in offshore pirate radio, firstly on Swinging Radio England before transferring to Caroline. As the pirate stations were banned, he spent a short stint at Radio Luxembourg before famously compering a Beach Boys Tour – before a dramatic spell at Radio Northsea International. Back on land, he was the first presenter as Piccadilly Radio launched in Manchester and, more recently he’s been heard regularly on BBC local radio. At Boom, he says he’s come home – and he’s having the most fun he’s had since the 70s.
Boom Radio resonates with the older generation for several reasons, offering a unique listening experience that appeals to their tastes and values. Here’s why it’s so beloved:
Nostalgic Music Playlist
Golden Oldies: Boom Radio specializes in playing songs from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s—eras that hold special significance for older listeners who grew up during those times.
Timeless Classics: The station’s playlist is filled with hits that evoke fond memories, creating an emotional connection with its audience.
Familiar and Trusted Presenters
Experienced Hosts: Boom Radio features presenters who have been in the radio industry for decades, many of whom are well-known to the older generation. This familiarity creates a sense of comfort and trust.
Personal Stories and Warmth: The presenters often share personal anecdotes and stories from their own experiences, fostering a sense of shared history with their listeners.
A Relaxed, Unhurried Pace
Authentic Radio Experience: Unlike fast-paced, high-energy stations, Boom Radio provides a relaxed and thoughtful approach that matches the lifestyle of older listeners.
Engaging Conversations: The station takes time to engage in more meaningful conversations, rather than quick soundbites, which appeals to those who enjoy thoughtful, relatable content.
Tailored Content
Relevant Themes: The programming often features content relevant to older audiences, such as reminiscing about historical moments, discussing cultural shifts, or celebrating legendary musicians and events.
Interactive Segments: Boom Radio invites listener interaction through song requests, dedications, and calls, fostering a community feel.
An Escape from Modern Trends
Avoids Overly Commercialized Content: Boom Radio steers clear of the highly commercial, chart-focused music prevalent on other stations, offering a break from modern trends that may not resonate with older tastes.
Authentic and Personal: Listeners appreciate the station’s genuine, non-corporate feel, making it seem more personal and aligned with their values.
Inclusive and Community-Oriented
Belonging and Connection: The station’s programming is designed to make listeners feel part of a community, sharing in memories and enjoying a collective nostalgia.
Listener-Centric Approach: Boom Radio’s focus on its audience’s preferences creates a bond that makes listeners feel understood and appreciated.
Easy Access and User-Friendly
Simple to Tune In: Boom Radio is available on digital platforms, making it accessible to older listeners who may not have access to traditional FM radio.
Multi-Platform Availability: Whether on DAB, smart speakers, or online, Boom Radio ensures its audience can listen in the way that suits them best.
Uplifting and Familiar Content
Positive Vibes: The station maintains a cheerful and uplifting atmosphere that brings joy and energy to its listeners’ days.
Memory-Triggering Playlists: The songs often trigger memories of life’s milestones, family events, and the general past, adding a warm and emotional layer to the listening experience.
In essence, Boom Radio’s appeal lies in its ability to create a bridge to the past, offering music and content that reconnects listeners with the best times of their lives. Its authentic, listener-focused approach makes it a comforting, enjoyable, and emotionally enriching experience for the older generation.
Due to the increasing demand I am receiving for photograph restoration, I’d like to keep you informed of some changes I’ve introduced within the company to make sure we can stay as efficient as possible.
My daughter Amy (Haines) has now joined Photographs Forever. She has been helping me part-time over the last 7 years and, having recently finished her degree at university, is now working with me full-time. Amy (Lees) has moved into a new role and Selina (Payandee) is now my Administration Assistant.
Amy Haines
Selina Payandee
Introducing our professional framing service to complement and further enhance your restored photographs has proved to be very popular with my customers. This means we are able to offer a complete service, transforming your damaged and fading photographs into to a high quality framed photograph you will truly enjoy forever. Here is the link to more details and the advantages of our frames.
Our photobooks are also increasing in popularity and another great way to enjoy your favourite photographs by printing them in a book that will not fade or deteriorate. The photobooks we provide are good value and much higher quality and specification than those ordinarily found in the high street. Here is the link to more details of our photobooks with a step by step guide to help you to organise your photographs and make your photobook a reality.
CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE VIDEO OF THE TWO BOOKS COMPARED
Here is a photobook we completed recently which duplicated an existing album that was lovingly put together just after World War 2. The new photobook is virtually twice the size of the original and is now in a form that will literally last forever and can be handed down through generations to preserve precious family history.
If you would like any more details, information or advice in relation to your photographs or how I can help please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. I look forward to hearing from you.
