If you have any questions not listed here, please
contact us!
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Frequently
Asked Questions: |
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| 1. Exactly what do you do to restore pictures? | ||
| We scan images into a computer using professional quality hardware and software. The images are then manipulated on the computer using Adobe Photoshop software and the professional skills of our restorer (who is a member of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals). The digital image created and restored on the computer is the one printed for you. | ||
| 2. Do you fix the original picture I send you? | ||
| No. The original pictures (or slides or negatives) are not repaired. They are not damaged in the process either. Instead, a new, digital image is created from the original and that digital image is repaired. The originals are returned to you exactly as they were received. | ||
| 3. What kinds of damages can you repair? Is there anything you can't fix? | ||
| Most damaged photos can be restored, but not all. We can restore discoloration, tears, some stains, age spots, and some over or under-exposures. We can improve fuzzy pictures some, but cannot add detail where it does not exist. We can create artistic renderings where parts of pictures are torn out, but cannot restore the original unless it is provided to us in another picture. Call and ask if you aren't sure! | ||
| 4. What do I get with my order? | ||
| You get the very best service in the industry. At Grand Memories, we treat you like family. You will receive our best efforts for the price category you have chosen. You will receive one 8x10 photo or two 5x7 photos FREE with the restoration. You will receive a diskette or CD ROM with both the before and after images on it. (By default, we send you jpg formats that can be read by almost any computer. If you desire a different format, just ask us!) | ||
| 5. Why do I have to pay before you will start my order? | ||
| Photo restoration is a time-consuming process. We ask for good-faith deposits equal to 50% of the job estimate before we start work to assure our time is well-spent. We require full payment before the completed work is shipped to you. Our guarantee is that you will be satisfied. All checks or money orders MUST be made out to JOHN HALDANE (not to Grand Memories). | ||
| 6. Can I just scan my own pictures and send them to you via email? | ||
| Yes, but generally we discourage this method because few people have the high quality scanners that we have at Grand Memories. If you send the image by e-mail, it tends to be much "smaller" in size and harder to restore to your satisfaction. For the best results, let us use our scanner. But if you wish to send by e-mail, we will be happy to accept it! Click here for more details on email submissions. | ||
| 7. How do I place an order? | ||
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The best way to pace an order is to go to the ORDERS page and print out the form. Fill it out and mail it along with the pictures to Grand Memories. All checks or money orders MUST be made out to JOHN HALDANE (not to Grand Memories). We also accept emailed images, but there are special rules that apply. Go to the ORDERS page for details. If you live in the greater Phoenix area, we can meet with you in our Mesa office or at your home to review your images and discuss pricing. |
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| 8. How should I ship my photos? | ||
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The best way to send photos is in a padded envelope, photo mailer,
or a box. Secure photos in an appropriate manner. Small photos
should be put into a Zip Lock baggie so they are not loose. Larger
photos (like 8x10) should have a cardboard backing or insert to
prevent bending during shipping. Mark the outside on the shipping
materials with "DO NOT BEND" or a similar warning.
Remove all photos from frames. DO NOT SEND GLASS! Our experience is that glass breaks, no matter how carefully packaged. Grand Memories cannot be responsible for damages caused by glass. If the photo is stuck to the glass, contact us for special instructions. If your photo is in a photo album and cannot be removed without damaging it, send the entire page and indicate clearly which photo(s) you wish us to service. |
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| 9. How long will it take to complete my order? | ||
| This depends on what level of work you have requested. In most cases, our work is completed in less than a week. We ship US Postal Service second-day rates, so you should have your photos within 10 days of payment most of the time! If we encounter delays, we will let you know immediately. Extensive work can sometimes take longer. Please call us for an estimate of your unique circumstances. | ||
| 10. What if I am not satisfied with the results of the restoration? | ||
| At Grand Memories, we try to satisfy our customers every time. If you are not happy, contact us and we will work with you to achieve the best resolution. Happy customers will refer us to their friends - it is in our best interest to make you happy. And we believe you, like the others who have used our services, will be very happy.. | ||
| 11. Can you alter magazine or newspaper photos? | ||
| Yes, but - and this is very important - we cannot work on
copyrighted images. Most magazine and newspaper photos are the
property of the newspaper or magazine itself - not you - even if you
are in the picture. Grand Memories honors all copyrights and may
require proof of copyright or a copyright release form before altering
or restoring such images |
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| 12. Can you restore and print negatives, slides, and transparencies? | ||
| Yes! We can scan your negative or other transparency and make the necessary corrections the same way we would a print. | ||
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13. Can I see how work is progressing or see the final images before I make final payment? |
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| Yes! Just email us and we will post an image on the internet and give you the link to see the progress up to that point. | ||
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