A collection of old, torn, black-and-white and colour photographs scattered and overlapping, depicting various people, a lake, a bus, and a cityscape.
A collection of old, torn, black-and-white and colour photographs scattered and overlapping, depicting various people, a lake, a bus, and a cityscape.

Photo restoration

Give an old photograph a new lease of life

Old photographs can mean a lot. If they’ve faded over time, been torn, scratched or damaged, I can carefully restore them while retaining the character of the original.

You can email me your old photo and I’ll send a free restored watermarked version back to you which we can amend to your specification. You only pay if you’re 100% happy with the restoration.

Email your photo

What can be restored?

  • Tears and creases

  • Scratches and marks

  • Fading and discolouration

  • Missing or damaged areas

  • Water damage

  • Stains

  • Poor-quality photographs

  • Black and white colourisation

What can be restored?

  • Tears and creases

  • Scratches and marks

  • Fading and discolouration

  • Missing or damaged areas

  • Water damage

  • Stains

  • Poor-quality photographs

  • Black and white colourisation

Based in Chorley • Serving Lancashire and beyond

How does it work?

A hand holding a smartphone with a person icon displayed on the screen, and a red number 1 icon in the bottom left corner.

You send me your photo by email or use the contact form on this website

Take the photo directly above and parallel to the original, using the highest quality setting on your phone or camera. Try to avoid reflections and make sure the whole photograph is clearly visible.

In some exceptional cases I might ask to work from the original.

A clock showing the time at 3:00 with an arrow pointing left indicating a countdown of 2 hours.

I restore your photo

I carefully restore the image taking into account any information you may have given me like eye and hair colour.

I use AI in my workflow alongside more traditional photoshop methods to get the image just right.

An icon of a watermarked image and a yellow number 3 in a box on the left.

I send you a watermarked image

Your restored watermarked image is sent back to you with a quote. Changes can be made until the restoration is the way you want it. I only ask for payment if you’re 100% happy with it.

Prints can be ordered too, these are quoted separately. You can see print prices here.

Email your photo
“Would highly recommend Dave’s services. Provided a fantastic service and superb photos which will be a long lasting legacy for family.”
— John

Click here to see more Google reviews

White sports car in motion on a road with blurred background, advertising DCD Photo Restoration & Video Tape Transfer on the side door.

DCD pick-up and drop-off service

For added convenience, I can collect and return your tapes or photos, so you don’t have to worry about putting precious memories in the post. Click here for details.

Every photograph is different

Some restorations are relatively straightforward, while others require much more detailed work.

You only pay if you’re 100% happy with the restoration.

Basic restoration – from £25

Colourising, repair minor fading, light retouching.

Moderate restoration – from £50

Colourising, repair moderate fading, repair small tears, stains, or scratches.

Extensive restoration – from £75

Colourising, repair severe damage, repair missing areas, complex detail.

See what’s possible before you decide

Send me a photograph and I’ll provide a free watermarked preview of the proposed restoration.

There’s no obligation to go ahead, and you only pay if you’re completely happy with the finished restoration.

An old black and white photo of an elderly woman and a man dancing together, holding hands. The woman is wearing a polka dot dress and the man is dressed in a suit with glasses. They are smiling and appear to be in a social gathering or dance event.
A restored colour photo of an elderly woman and a man dancing together, holding hands. The woman is wearing a polka dot dress and the man is dressed in a suit with glasses. They are smiling and appear to be in a social gathering or dance event.
Email your photo

Want to see more examples?

View the before & after gallery

A natural-looking restoration

AI can be a useful tool, but it isn’t a replacement for experience.

I use a combination of modern tools and traditional Photoshop techniques, with the aim of producing a restoration that looks natural and stays faithful to the original photograph.

If likeness, colour or detail is uncertain, reference photographs can be used to help achieve a more accurate result.

Screenshot of a graphic design workspace in photo editing software, showing tool palettes, adjustment panels, and layers with labels like 'Color and vibrance' and 'Channel Mixer 1'.