NORTONMEDIA Photo Fix receives a number of photo restoration/editing questions, and we are posting a list of TOP FAQs. These frequently asked questions will be helpful, but feel free to send us a message if we you have additional photo questions.
Q.
What is photo restoration/editing?
Q. How do you Restore/edit
my photo?
Q. What types of services do you
provide?
Q. Do you guarantee your services?
Q. Can I review the restoration
results before shipment to me?
Q. How do I place my order?
Q. How do I get my photo to you?
Q. I have my own scanner, what resolution
should I set to scan my picture?
Q. How do I scan my photos?
Q. What format should my scanned
photos be?
Q. Is there a size limit for uploaded
files?
Q. Can you work with slides and negatives?
Q. I have a very small photo. How large
can it be printed?
Q. How long does it take to complete
my order?
Q. I need my photo fast. Do you offer
Rush Orders?
Q. I don't like the idea of sending
my precious photos or slides by mail and I don't have
a scanner. Is there another option?
Q. How can I pay and when will I receive
my order?
Q. I don't have a Pay pal account, Can
I still pay online?
Q. Does it make a difference if I
send the original photo or send a digital copy by
email?
Q. Do you offer discounts?
Q. How should I package my photos
for mailing?
Q. Can I send you photos in frames?
Q. How much does photo restoration
or editing cost?
Q. Do I pay double if I need more than
one service done on my photo? Ex. Restoration and
color?
Q. How will you know what I want done
on my photo?
Q. How can I contact NORTONMEDIA
Photo Fix?
Q. Do you restore old artwork?
Q. If I send an original photo or slide
is it safe? Do you alter the original?
Q. Are my pictures in danger of being
damaged during the scanning process?
Q. What will I receive back when
I place an order?
Q. How do I know if my photo needs
Minor, Moderate or Major work?
Q. Why should I archive my photos to
DVD?
Q. Some photo restoration sites I've
visited will only provide an emailed digital image
of my restored photo. Can you give me a print of my
photo?
Q. I have a 40-year-old wedding
picture of my parents that I want to have restored
and presented to them. But I want it done in some
special artistic way. Can you do this?
Q. What is photo restoration/editing?
Photo restoration/editing is a manual process of using photo editing software and advanced digital imaging software to re-design the image as a digital file. This is done by the skilled hand of a certified digital artist with the latest technology.
Q. How do you Restore/edit my photo?
We digitize your photos (or other source documents) by scanning the image on a high-resolution scanner and saving the resulting digital file on a computer. We then retouch or restore the digital file using photo-editing software and advanced digital imaging software. An archival-quality digital print is printed on glossy or matte paper (your choice) and the file is saved in three different versions on a CD. These files will forever be archived on the disk and immune to effects of aging. Anytime you want, you can access the file from the disk to produce quality prints that never age.
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Q. What types of services do you provide?
Our team of award winning artists are skilled in every type of photo editing available. We offer all forms of Restoration, Enhancement, Adding/Subtracting and color work. We also off all forms of photo manipulation which allows you to create any new project you desire.
- Here is a small list of basic examples:
- Color and Light correction
- Teeth Whitening
- Aging Reduction, removal of sunspots, deep lines, fine lines etc.
- Real Estate Cleanup for Realtors and Resorts
- Shadow and Glare Removal
- Background Editing
- Body Contouring
- Rips, Tears, Mold Damage, Water Damage and Sun Fading
- Lifestyle Changes (love the family reunion photo but the not the ex-spouse?),
- Tattoo Removal
- Red Eye Correction and just about anything you can think of
Q.
Do you guarantee your services?
Absolutely! We
want you to be happy so we can have the privilege
to work on your photos in the future. Every order
comes with the NORTONMEDIA guarantee. We will work
on your photo until your 100% satisfied. We will even
send you proofs for approval before we print out the
finals.
Q.
Can I review the restoration results before shipment
to me?
Yes.
We will send a proof by email attachment for your
review and approval.
Q.
How do I place my order? 
It’s
simple. Just click the place order button on any page
and you’ll be redirected to our order page with simple
step-by step instructions.
We offer two options for you to send us your photo.
1. E-mail/upload
2. Send it by mail
Click
here to see how it works.
Q.
How do I get my photo to you?
On the
order page it will ask you “How would you like send
your photo?”
The two options are
E-mail/upload
Send it by mail.
E-mail/Upload 
You’ll be able to easily send your digital files to
us. Just follow our step-by-step instructions.
If you chose the upload option you simple upload your
digital file.
If you don’t have your photo saved as a digital file
you will need to scan it. Remember to scan it a a high resolution (300 dpi works well). If you don't have access to a scanner, take your
photos to an OfficeMax, Staples or Kinko's.
(Click here for scanning instructions)
When you scan your photo it will save it as a file
called a JPEG (max. setting) or EPS.
You can then either e-mail us your image with your
order number or upload it on the order page.
Send it by mail
If you chose this option you will print out the order
form and ship it with your photo.
You can either send us your photo safely packed or
send us a CD with your photos saved on it.
(Click here to see the order form)
Q. I have my own scanner,
what resolution should I set to scan my picture?
If your picture
does not exceed 5’’ in its biggest dimension, the
resolution should be set to 600 dpi, otherwise set
the resolution to 300 to 400 dpi. Save your file in JPEG
format with minimal compression. The maximum file
size should not exceed 6.5Mb
Recommendations
For best results, it is recommended to scan pictures
on professional equipment. A household scanner (amateur
series) is not able to reproduce all half-tones and
get the most crisp and clear images.
You can have your photo scanned on a professional
scanner at any digital photo lab.
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Q.
How do I scan my photos?
First, start off
by wiping the glass of the scanner with a non-abrasive
wipe and some Windex. Make sure the glass is dry before
placing the picture down. Make sure the picture rests
against one side of the scanner so that it remains
straight. Preview the picture before scanning it.
Save your photos as a .Jpeg or .JPG file without compression.
Scan all photos using the Color option even if they
are B&W.
Q.
What format should my scanned photos be?
They
should be saved as either a .Jpeg or .JPG file without
any compression.
Q.
Is there a size limit for uploaded files?
YES! Scanned Photos
should be no bigger than 15 Mb. Please make sure your
Uploaded photos don't exceed this limit. If mailing
your Photos on a CD, there is no file size limit.
Make sure to save your Photos as a .Jpeg or .JPG file
without using any compression.
Q.
Can you work with slides and negatives?
Yes.
We can scan your slides and negatives and make the
same type of corrections that we would do for photographic
prints.
Q.
I have a very small photo. How large can it be printed?
It used to be
impossible to increase photo size. Norton Media is
proud to offer the newest technology that allows us
to take a small photo and “digitize it” allowing us
to blow it up large and clear!
Q.
How long does it take to complete my order?
Our professional
artists are experienced at working quickly without
sacrificing quality. Since we don’t make you wait
for quotes we are able to start working as soon as
we receive your photo. Once work begins your photo
will be completed within 4-6 days.
Q.
I need my photo fast. Do you offer Rush Orders?
Yes we
do! We understand orders need to be finished in time
for a birthday or holiday. Just check the Rush Order
button on the order page and we’ll return your finished
photo within 24 hours!
Q.
I don't like the idea of sending my precious photos
or slides by mail and I don't have a scanner. Is there
another option?
Yes.
You should be able to obtain a good quality scan from
a local photo copy store. Have them scan it at 600
dpi and copy it to a computer disk or CD. You may
then either pack and mail the disk, email the files
on the disk or upload the files on the order page.
Q.
How can I pay and when will I receive my order?
We receive
online payments through Pay Pal service. It’s simple
to use and very secure. Just follow the step-by-step
instructions on the order page.
Or For the fastest service, we accept most major credit-cards
and e-checks through Pay Pal or Google Checkout. We
also accept Credit Card Orders over the phone. We
can also accept Money Orders, Cashiers Checks and
Personal Checks (Allow 3-10 days for Personal Checks
to clear...)
Q.
I don't have a Pay pal account, Can I still pay online?
Sure.
Pay pal accepts payments from people without an active
account.
Q.
Does it make a difference if I send the original photo
or send a digital copy by email?
The better
the digital copy we have to work with the better the
results will be. However, if for some reason you can
not send us your print very good results can be achieved
if we are provided with a good quality color scan
file (300-600 dpi).
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Q.
Do you offer discounts?
Yes.
For 4 or more photos you will receive a 25% discount.
Q.
How should I package my photos for mailing?
Photo
Mailers are appropriate packaging for newer photos
that are not brittle. If the photo is old or damaged
where it is extra fragile, we recommend that you:
1. Sandwich the photo carefully between two pieces
of thick cardboard (the edges of the cardboard should
extend at least 1 inch beyond the photo
2. Tape the cardboard together on its edges.
Place in an appropriate express mailer and express
mail it to:
NortonMedia PhotoFix
3835 Spruce Dr.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Q.
Can I send you photos in frames?
Yes.
If for any reason you do not want to remove the photo
from the frame just send everything "as is".
Please note the photograph will be taken out of the
frame for restoration purposes and placed back in
it when shipped back to you. If the photo cannot be
removed from the frame without further damage, then
we will arrange to scan in the most accurate fashion
possible.
Q.
How much does photo restoration or editing cost?
We don’t like
to make people wait days for overpriced quotes. We
let you know what your job cost when you place the
order. (See our Pricing page for specifics). Prices
are broken up into 3 simple categories describing
the amount of work needed Minor, Moderate and Major.
By viewing the samples you determine the level of
work you would like done on your photo and pay only
that amount no matter how many services you use! We
want you to come back! And we believe in our artist
and work enough to know that you will.
Q.
Do I pay double if I need more than one service done
on my photo? Ex. Restoration and color?
No. You pay only
one fee determined by the level of difficulty either
Minor, Moderate or major. Once you determine that
all the services are included. (Restoration, Enhancement,
Color, Add/Subtract).
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Q.
How will you know what I want done on my photo?
Just follow the
step-by-instructions on the order page. If you are
uploading your images there is a section where you
describe in specific details about what you would
like done. If you are mailing your order in, there
is a section on the printable order form for you to
fill out details. You can also contact us by phone
or e-mail if you would like to speak directly to a
representative.
RESTORATION:
What areas need specific work. Do you want to modernize
the photo or keep it vintage looking?
ENHANCEMENT:
If there are specific areas that you want enhanced
-- or areas to tone down -- please provide descriptions.
Which blemishes or marks do you want removed, specific
skin, eye or hair tone etc.
COLORIZING:
Please be specific if you have color preferences and
give all details needed regarding hair and skin tone,
clothing and background. Make sure you tell us if
you want a color original converted to black-and-white,
or a sepia tone image made from a black-and-white.
Information on the major details, such as the color
of eyes, hair, makeup, clothes, etc., is the mandatory
requirement.
ADD/SUBTRACT: Provide detailed instructions.
Make sure to indicate individuals or items to be cut
or added to the picture .Also give any color preferences
for the background. We'll send a sketch for approval
before completing the image.
Q.
How can I contact NORTONMEDIA Photo Fix?
You can reach
us by Mail, Phone or E-mail (Click
Here)
Q.
Do you restore old artwork?
YES! Keep in mind
that we do not modify the original, only a scan of
the original.
Q.
If I send an original photo or slide is it safe? Do
you alter the original?
We take
every precaution to make sure that your photos are
safe with us. We will make NO alterations to your
original. The original print or slide will be scanned
and converted to a digital version. All restoration
work is done to the digital copy only. We will return
your prints in their original form.
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Q.
Are my pictures in danger of being damaged during
the scanning process?
Our scanning procedure
poses no risk of damage to your originals; all our
restoration work is done on the digital file made
from the scan. We understand how important these memories
are to you and treat each photo as precious cargo.
Q.
What will I receive back when I place an order?
You will
receive by mail, your original photo(s) (if shipped).
You will also receive a digital copy of your print(s)
and on CD with a bonus photo screensaver or wallpaper.
You will also receive framed prints if ordered.
Q.
How do I know if my photo needs Minor, Moderate or
Major work?
It’s simple. Just
compare your photo with the samples listed on our
service pages until you find the one that closely
matches. We also list a number of the services provided
by each level so you can search for what you may be
specifically looking for.
If you are not sure what level to choose you may contact
one of our representatives who will be happy to assist
you. You can also e-mail us requesting assistance.
.
Q. Why should I archive
my photos to DVD?
Photos
get damaged...When we scan your pictures,
you will have a CD or DVD of your photos that can
later be used for e-mailing, enlarging and printing
your digital photos. The quality of your digital photos
will not degrade as would physical photos. They last
for generations.
Peace of Mind...At your request, we will keep your photos on file, should anything ever happen to your originals or the CD/DVD we made for you. We offer this service at no extra charge, because we value you, and the memories that your pictures hold.
Convenience...You
will be able to view your pictures on your computer,
TV or DVD player and you will be able to print as
many high quality reproductions as you wish. More
than 2,500 photos can be stored on a DVD and can be
organized into categories.
Q.
Some photo restoration sites I've visited will only
provide an emailed digital image of my restored photo.
Can you give me a print of my photo?
Absolutely!
As a matter of fact, the vast majority of our clients
request a print. We will mail them to you, freight
free, by UPS ground service, which takes from 1 to
5 days, anywhere in the U.S. or Canada.
Q.
I have a 40-year-old wedding picture of my parents
that I want to have restored and presented to them.
But I want it done in some special artistic way. Can
you do this?
Yes we can. There
our countless different artistic variations available
to enhance an image. Please see our manipulation section.
