Old Pictures usually hold a special place in our hearts. Photographs from decades or even a century ago are fascinating to look at, even if we don't know who the subjects are or have never been to the photographed locations. Old Pictures can take us back to a different time in history when the architecture, clothing, modes of transportation, and hairstyles are often interesting and sometimes amusing. Today's digital imaging technology can help you restore and preserve your old Pictures so that you can enjoy them now and also pass them on to others.

As photographs age, there are several problems that occur. Old Pictures fade over time. Sometimes photographs are stored in conditions that damage them. Direct sunlight, humidity, heat, and fluctuating temperatures can all cause Pictures to deteriorate. Even the photo albums that are meant to keep photographs in a safe environment can cause damage to Pictures.

You can scan your old Pictures to a digital format, usually JPEG or TIFF, and then restore them using digital image software. Research the available software and purchase one that is user-friendly with multiple restoration options. You want to be able to get rid of scratches, uneven fading, fill in tears, and fix any other blemishes on your photographs. Your intention might be to simply store your photographs as digital images on your computer, CD, or DVD, but careful restoration allows you to make high quality prints as well.

Make sure your old Pictures are as clean as possible before you scan them. You can wipe them with a clean, dry cloth before placing them on the scanner, but don't do much more than this. Too much handling, especially for photographs that are already in bad condition, can damage your Pictures even more. Don't try to fix a tear with tape. Some old Pictures that have been passed around extensively may have small pieces of debris stuck to them. Resist the temptation to scrape off the debris because it might leave a hole or white spot on your photograph. It will be easier to use your image software to cover any small debris.

Once your old Pictures are scanned, you can begin working with the image software to adjust the coloring, even out tones, fill in tears and scratches, and get rid of the "red eye" that is so common in old Pictures. Take your time with each photograph and restore it to the highest quality possible. If you don't like how your adjustment looks, you can undo it and try again.

A high end scanner and image software are, of course, preferred for restoring old Pictures, but not everyone wants to purchase expensive equipment to do this. Professional quality scanners can run into the thousands of dollars. A great alternative to scanning your old Pictures yourself is to use a professional photography service. These services use state-of-the-art scanning equipment and can work miracles with damaged photographs. You'll want to find a photography service that will scan your Pictures one by one to ensure each one is restored to the highest quality photograph possible.