Queries and Answers: Photocopy Woes

Will wrote with two questions: Some 15 years ago, someone in the family lost the lone original of a cherished family photo from 1880. We have the photocopy in black and white. First, could this be turned back into a negative (albeit an inferior one) and reprinted using antique sepia techniques from similar family photo's taken at the same time in the same 1880's studio? Well, that really depends on the quality of the photocopy. If it's clear enough you could scan it and try to enhance it using photo editing software or you could hire someone to try to improve the quality. I've scanned high quality color photocopies with a good result, but if your black and white copy is muddy you'll have to start by fixing the contrast in the image. And second, if it could be done, are there any photographers around who actually know how to recreate such rich dark red sepia print tones? ...and can you direct me to one or two? Photo editing software can recreate the sepia tone colors. If you want to hire someone to make those changes try searching for "photo restoration" and the name of your town in an online search engine.

Ask the Photo Detective: Photocopying Pictures

In this regular installment on my blog, I'll answer questions submitted by visitors to my website. Topics include photo identification, preservation, picture history and photo sharing. Barbara asked: Does photocopying recent photographs damage the pictures? Is there an alternative for our library patrons who want to copy materials from our small collection? Photocopying exposes all types of images to intense light, heat, and chemicals. A single photocopy shouldn't cause noticeable damage. I would not advise repeat copying of any image. There is also the stress of repeatedly handling the picture for duplication. A better solution is to scan the images and create a database using a simple program like Picasa, then letting patrons select the photographs they want to print.