PhotoMD – Frequently Asked Questions
Professional Photo Restoration & Preservation
A guide for clients, families, and historical photo submissions
Why should I pay for restoration when there are free AI websites?
Because photo restoration is more than running a photo through a filter. Many free tools can improve
contrast or remove some scratches, but heavily damaged photographs often require careful manual
work: rebuilding missing details, correcting distortions, repairing cracks and tears, balancing tones,
preserving natural facial features, and restoring realism without creating an “AI-generated”
appearance.
My goal is not simply to enhance a photograph, but to respectfully preserve the identity, character, and
historical feel of the original image.
Why not just buy a restoration app?
Apps can be very useful, and modern AI tools are often part of the restoration process. However, no
app can fully replace human judgment when dealing with damaged faces, missing features, faded
photographs, historical images, uneven exposure, severe scratches, or realistic colorization.
Professional restoration often combines multiple programs and techniques, along with manual editing
that may take hours for a single image.
What programs and tools do you use?
PhotoMD uses professional imaging tools including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom Classic,
SilverFast HDR Studio, AI-assisted restoration tools, and professional archival scanning workflows.
Each image is approached individually. There is no “one-click” workflow for complex restoration.
Will you change how the person looks?My restoration philosophy is preservation, not beautification.
I make every effort to preserve original facial structure, expression, age, hairstyle, character, and
historical authenticity. I do not intentionally modernize faces or create artificial “AI beauty” effects
unless specifically requested.
The goal is to restore the photograph — not reinvent the person.
Can blurry or severely damaged photos always be fixed?
Unfortunately, no. Some photographs are too damaged, too blurred, or missing too much information
for realistic recovery.
Whenever possible, I will honestly explain what can likely be improved, what cannot be recovered, and
whether the restoration is worth pursuing.
If a photo is determined to be unrecoverable, there is no charge for evaluation.
How much do you charge?
Every restoration is different.
Pricing depends on factors such as the amount of damage, resolution and scan quality, number of
people in the photo, reconstruction complexity, colorization requests, and print preparation needs.
Please contact PhotoMD for a free evaluation and estimate.
Are you really a medical doctor?
Yes.
“MD” in PhotoMD reflects my background as a physician, as well as my long-standing interest in
restoring and preserving photographs.
The name also reflects my restoration philosophy: careful evaluation, attention to detail, and respectful
reconstruction.
PhotoMD provides photographic restoration services only and is not affiliated with medical care ormedical photography services.
What is the best way to submit a photo?
Whenever possible, scan photographs at high resolution, avoid photographing prints through glass,
use even lighting, photograph straight-on without distortion, do not crop edges, and send the
highest-quality file available.
Detailed preparation instructions are available on the website.
Do you return the original photo?
Absolutely. Original photographs are handled carefully and returned promptly. Digital submissions
remain the property of the client.
Can you colorize black-and-white photos?
Yes. Colorization can range from subtle historical realism to more vivid artistic interpretations.
Whenever possible, I aim for natural, era-appropriate tones rather than exaggerated modern coloring.
What makes PhotoMD different?
PhotoMD combines modern restoration technology with a preservation-first philosophy focused on
realism, restraint, and respect for the original photograph.
The goal is not simply to make old photographs look new, but to help preserve family history and
personal memory with care and authenticity.
PhotoMD • Restoration & Preservation • Established 2003
Respectful restoration of family, memorial, and historical photographs