Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do you repair an old or damaged photo?
A. First, a high resolution digital image of the photo is made using a flatbed scanner or digital camera. The original photo remains as is because all the repair work is done on the digital image. The corrective steps can include: improving tone, contrast, exposure, and color; removing dust and mold; repairing tears, cracks and missing parts; and removing scribbles and unwanted subject matter, among others. Some repair jobs require more time if there are multiple problems that need to be addressed. The restored image is then printed on a digital printer using high-grade photo papers.
Q. How do I get my photos to you?
A. There are four different ways. Choose the one that is most suitable for you:
1If you are in the St. George area, call 435-656-0063 and we will pick them up.
2You can bring your photos to our office. Please call the number above and make an appointment.
3You can also send them by U.S mail. Send to: Tom Lasko, Family Foto Fixer, 235 South 400 East, #10, St. George, Utah 84770. Mail the original photo and not a copy. Use a padded mailer if possible and put the photos between two thick cardboard stiffeners that are larger than the photos. Print DO NOT BEND on both sides of the mailer. First class usually is safe enough, but you can ask for special handling and insurance if you wish. Be sure to include a note with your name, address, phone, email and any special instructions. We will immediately acknowledge receiving your photos by phone or email.
4Or you can scan the photos and email them to: familyfotofixer@infowest.com. Scan at 600 ppi (pixels per inch), without any enhancements added, and save it as a tiff or jpeg file (no compression). If the file exceeds 10 MB, emailing may not work. In that case, copy it to a disk and mail it to us. NOTE: If you don’t have a scanner, you can go to Kinko’s, Staples, or DTP and have them scan the photo as described above and copy it to a disk. Then mail the disk to us. If you have a problem with any of this, please call us and we will provide the necessary help.
Q. The photo is precious to me. If I give it to you, will I get it back in the same condition?
A. Yes. The original is never altered and it will be returned to you unharmed. We will scan it and make a digital copy. All repair work is done on the digitized copy.
Q. I don’t want to let the photo out my possession. What do you suggest?
A. Call us at 435-656-0063. We will bring a portable scanner to your home or office and scan the photo on the spot at your convenience. There is a $12 charge for this service.
Q. What kinds of photos can be restored?
A. Historical or contemporary photos, including color or black and white prints, slides, filmstrips, negatives and tintypes. Most family photos and snapshots can be repaired or enhanced to your specifications.
Q. Are there size limitations?
A. The size of most photos needing repair falls in the 3x4 to 8x10 inch range. Smaller and larger sizes can also be successfully scanned and repaired. Enlargements up to 40x50 inches are available.
Q. How will the finished product be delivered to me?
A. We will notify you when it is ready. You can pick it up or we will mail you a high quality print of your restored image along with your original photo, plus any additional prints you ordered. We will also put the restored image on a CD or DVD if requested.
Q: Can I see the results before you mail it?
A. Yes. We can send a screen quality proof by email or you can drop by and see it on our computer.
Q. I am planning to give restored photos as Christmas gifts. How long does the restoration process take?
A. Most restorations can usually be mailed back to you within 4–5 days depending on the condition of your original and our current workload. We make a special effort to see that photos are ready when you need them. Rush orders (24 hours) are available ($25 extra charge).
Q. What kind of paper do you print on?
A. We use only professional quality glossy, satin or matte photo papers.
Q. What does it cost to restore/repair a photo?
A. Most photo repair projects cost $39 each. More extensive repairs or alterations may cost slightly more. We provide you with a firm price before work begins. Include three or more photos in the same order and receive a 15% discount. Extra 8x10 prints are $6 each.
Q. What does “100% Customer Satisfaction” mean?
A. If you are not happy with the finished product, we will either make additional corrections at no extra charge or refund your money.
Q. I want to put my family photos into a slide show. Can you do this for me?
A. Yes. We can convert small or large family photo collections (prints, slides, negatives) into a DVD movie or Powerpoint presentation with personalized narration, background music, descriptive captions and text, animation, sound effects and graphics. They are great for family reunions, wedding anniversaries, and birthday parties. Send copies to all the family wherever they are.
Q. How do I pay for your services?
A. Please pay by check made to Tom and Jane Lasko. Click here for additional information.
