Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before starting your restoration project.
If you don't see your question below, contact us. We'll be happy to help.
Getting Started
How do I get started?
Start by using our Pricing page to estimate your project. Then complete the Project Intake form and upload a few sample photographs if available.
We review every project individually, confirm the exact scope of work, provide final pricing, and wait for your approval before any restoration begins.
What happens after I complete the intake form?
Every project is reviewed by a restoration specialist.
We evaluate the condition of your photographs, recommend the appropriate restoration level when needed, confirm pricing, answer any questions, and provide shipping or local drop-off instructions if originals are required.
Nothing begins until you approve everything.
Do I pay before work begins?
No.
Submitting a project request is completely free.
Once we review your photographs, we'll provide exact pricing.
Work begins only after you approve the project.
You'll always know exactly what you're paying before any work starts.
Pricing & Estimates
Is the online estimate my final price?
No.
The online estimator provides a starting point based on the information you enter.
After reviewing your photographs, we'll confirm the exact restoration level, digitization requirements, and final price.
Will I ever be charged more without approval?
Never.
If we discover additional work is needed after evaluation, we'll explain why, provide updated pricing, and wait for your approval before continuing.
No surprise charges.
What if I'm not sure which restoration level I need?
That's completely normal.
Most customers aren't restoration experts.
Simply choose the level that seems closest.
We'll review every photograph and recommend the appropriate level before any work begins.
Sending Your Photographs
How do I send my photographs?
You can upload digital files directly through Project Intake.
If original photographs are needed, we'll provide packing instructions and the correct shipping address after reviewing your project.
Local drop-off is also available in the Orlando area by appointment.
Are my original photographs safe?
Yes.
Every original is handled individually using archival-safe procedures.
Fragile photographs are never forced flat, cleaned, or handled unnecessarily.
Whenever possible, we choose the capture method that places the least stress on the original photograph.
Can I send only digital scans?
Absolutely.
Many restorations are completed entirely from digital files.
If we believe a better scan or the original photograph would significantly improve the result, we'll discuss your options before moving forward.
Restoration
Who restores my photographs?
Every restoration is completed in the United States by Romero Imaging.
Your photographs are never outsourced overseas or processed through anonymous editing services.
Every image receives individual attention from a restoration specialist before delivery.
Can you restore torn or severely damaged photographs?
In many cases, yes.
We routinely repair tears, creases, stains, fading, missing sections, water damage, scratches, and other common forms of deterioration.
Every project is evaluated individually because no two photographs age the same way.
Can you restore military photographs?
Yes.
We regularly restore military portraits, service photographs, unit images, medals, uniforms, and historical family collections while preserving their historical authenticity.
Will you change the people in my photograph?
No.
Our philosophy is preservation, not alteration.
We repair damage that distracts from the photograph while preserving the identity, expressions, clothing, and historical character of the original image.
We never invent family history.
Can you work from an old scan?
Yes.
Whenever possible we work from the highest-quality file available.
If your existing scan provides enough detail, restoration can begin immediately.
If a better scan would significantly improve the result, we'll let you know before any work begins.
Digitization & Delivery
What is back-side capture?
Many family photographs contain handwritten names, dates, locations, or personal notes on the reverse.
We can photograph the back of every photograph so those important details are preserved alongside the front image.
What does metadata tagging include?
Metadata allows important information to stay with the photograph itself.
Names, dates, locations, keywords, and notes can be embedded directly into the digital file, making future searching and organization much easier.
How long does a project take?
Most restoration projects begin within one to two business days after approval.
Simple projects are often completed within two to three business days.
Large archival collections are scheduled individually so every photograph receives the attention it deserves.
How will I receive my finished photographs?
Digital files are delivered through secure download.
Original photographs are carefully repackaged and returned after completion.
Prints are also available if requested.
Do I receive my original photographs back?
Always.
Your originals remain your property and are carefully returned after your project is complete.
Our Restoration Philosophy
How do you decide what to restore?
Every photograph is evaluated individually.
Our goal is not to make an old photograph look new.
Our goal is to preserve the people, the history, and the character of the original while repairing damage that distracts from it.
Every restoration is completed by a human restoration specialist using professional tools—not automated filters.
Every family collection is different.
If you aren't sure where to begin, send us a few sample photographs. We'll explain your options, recommend the safest approach, and provide exact pricing before any work begins.