How To Repair Old Photos

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How To Repair Old Photos

A picture can say more than a thousand words. Often they keep a lot of treasured memories. Unfortunately time can take its toll on them. They get faded, scratched, bent and sometimes ripped. So how do you repair old photos?

Well - it's surprisingly simple - and doesn't have to cost an awful lot. Technology has moved at an incredible pace when it comes to making digital copies of your photos. Scanners and printers - even in the popular all-in-one units - are today as advanced as strictly professional equipment just a few years ago.

Also, software that will correct the trouble with your old photos can be had at very reasonable prices. Below you'll find a guide and recommendations on how to repair old photos.

How To Repair Old Photos - Step One

Make a digital copy of your photo.

The first thing you must do to repair an old photo is to transfer it to digital format, in order to work with it on a computer.

This is most often done by scanning the image with a photo scanner.

I normally suggest that, if you haven't got a scanner already, you get a stand-alone flatbed scanner. The reason for this is that you get a much better, more precise result that way, rather than using a combined scanner/printer solution. Another advantage is that if either the scanner or the printer part in the combined unit breaks, you don't have to replace the whole thing.

On the downside - it's obviously more costly to buy the units separately - and also the space they take up can be an issue.

Scan your photos with this HP Scanner

HP Scanjet G4050 Photo Scanner (L1957A#B1H)

Amazon Price: $193.94 (as of 02/14/2012)Buy Now

HP's ScanJet G4050 Photo Scanner lets you scan slides, negatives, and photos with superior color accuracy.

It boasts HP's exclusive 96-bit scanning, and will do high-definition scans with 4,800 x 9,600 dpi resolution at high speeds. Also, it allows you to scan and edit text from documents and magazines.

How To Repair Old Photos - Step Two

Time for a digital makeover.....

To repair an old photo - or the digital copy of your old photo - you need a picture repair software suite.

Most people will find that everything they need are contained in the cheaper packages, and unless you intend to turn into a professional, there's no need of going for the more expensive suites, such as Adobe Photoshop.

Below I have recommended the excellent Paint Shop Pro package from Corel - which is an outstanding product - particularly taking the price into account. Also I've included a video to show you what the program is capable of.

Edit And Organize Your Photos With Paint Shop Pro

Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 Ultimate [Old Version]

Amazon Price: $37.99 (as of 02/14/2012)Buy Now

Far from being the poor mans Photoshop anymore - Paint Shop Pro has the photo editing tools and functionalities of photo editing software at 5-10 times its price.

Paint Shop Pro is fast, fun and easy to use - while delivering professional looking results.

This Ultimate Package contains even more tools and features, which are all useful for all your photo editing ventures. You won't find a better deal anywhere else.

See Paint Shop Pro In Action

See how to repair old photos with Paint Shop Pro

'Restoring A Stained Photo' video tutorial (PSPPX2)
by CorelPaintShopPro | video info

8 ratings | 5,846 views
curated content from YouTube

How To Repair Old Photos - Step Three

Time to share your labour of love.....

Once you're happy with the way your old picture looks, it's time to share your work with the world.

The best way of giving your picture a new lease of life would, of cause, be to store it on a flash card, take it to the photographer, and have it developed and framed properly.

But - if you're going to restore a lot of your old photos, this could end up a pricey thing to do - so maybe you'd be better off buying a photo printer. That would be a lot more convenient too.

Worried about the quality of your prints? No need to be! The top range of Photo Printers offer excellent print quality - sometimes better than what's on offer on the high street.

Share Your Photos With This HP Photosmart Printer

HP Photosmart D7560 Printer

Amazon Price: $299.99 (as of 02/14/2012)Buy Now

Remember when photo ink jet printers would give you near-lab prints and pictures? Not anymore!

The HP Photosmart D7560 printer prints in razor sharp, crisp and vivid colours with an ultra high resolution of 9600x2400 dpi.

Aside from your PC/Mac it will print from memory cards, PictBridge Cameras and USB. The printer itself even holds some editing facilities thru its 3.5in touch screen display.

Also, the separate 4in x 6in photo tray will save you messing around with paper etc. when you want to print photos rather than text documents

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