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View Full Version : Restoration & Restoring - How much$$$


hfgerena
November 10th, 2007, 09:10 AM
Hello :)

Ok, before I begin lets makes clear that although I have been using PSE for about 2 years now, I consider myself a ROOKIE in a still ongoing Learning Process, especially in the Restoration and Retouching.

Here is the situation, in my work from time to time some of my co-workers and friends talk about that they have very old photos that are in a pretty bad shape and so full of scratches, dust and missing parts. When I take a look at them I said, “That’s a nice photo and can be fix”. Then I explain to them about my hobby and that I’m continually learning to use this product and that I‘m always looking for new projects to do so it will gave me more experience.

I ask them if they would give me a chance in trying to fix it. I told them right away that I only need a copy of the digitalize photo or bring me the original photo and I’ll scanned (no harm to photo its guaranteed) and it is free of charge, they will help and cooperate in my learning curve. So they gave the photo and I start a new project.

I have done this a couple of times right now and when I bring back the final product you always hears the same expression; “Wow, I did not know that this can be done, you just saved a priceless memory”.

Now here is my problem, all these people are very happy “customers” and they have spread the word, they also have more damaged pictures that needs to be restored, but this time they ask me if I’m willing to do it and how much do I charge for this service, “What!!!!” they want to pay me for something that I love to do as a hobby, “THIS IS GREAT”. Remember I offered to do this for free before and now they don’t want to take advantage and they want to pay me.

I want to do it but this is a whole new game for me.

Here are my questions, I have no idea how should I charge for this restoring process or how much. I have a ton of questions on my mind:
1. If they provide the digital photo?
2. If I have to scan the photo?
3. For the size of the photo to be restored and retouch?
4. How much damage does the photo haves. (How do I charge for “damage amount” or “Restoration Effort”?
5. Should I charge a non-refundable fee (25% or 40%)?
6. If I include a printout, how should I charge for this?
7. And many, many more.

Does anybody knows where can I find info. about this.

kImages
November 10th, 2007, 12:50 PM
I get about $40 for a restoration. The breakout is $8 for the 5X7 print, $5 shipping handling (I don't print at home, its a high quality print lustre finish), and $30/hour for restoration work. The restoration work is where I make discounting adjustments.

I do my own scans of the original photo so I can control resolution and color (I usually make both a color and greyscale scan to start.

hfgerena
November 10th, 2007, 01:12 PM
Kim;

Thanks so much for your answer, this helps me a lot, I was totally lost with this, now I have something to start.