How to Restore a Black & White Photo

Scan the old photo so you have a digital copy. If you do not have a scanner, your local photofinisher will be able to scan the photo for you.

Load the digital (scanned) version of the old photo onto your computer. If you have multiple computers, load it onto each computer so you have it backed up in other places in case one computer crashes. If not, consider also storing it online through an online photo account. Return the original photo to a safe place.

Make a copy of the digital photo. Keep one version of the digital photo untouched. You will use the other version to edit. This ensures that if you make an editing mistake, you still have a copy of the original photo.

Use online tools or photo-editing software to perform various restoration techniques to tyour copy of the original photo. For example, you can use a color-correction tool to enhance the look of the photo, or play with the saturation and contrast levels to make the blacks and whites more vivid and sharp. There is no right or wrong method for photo editing; it is all based on your opinion.

Alternatively, you can take the digital image to a professional photofinisher or photo restoration company, and pay them to spruce up the photo and restore it to its best possible quality. Call your local photofinisher to see if they offer this service, or visit online photo-finishing sites to see what options and prices are available.

Save the restored image to your computer, along with the original. Back up the restored version in the same way you backed up the original version, so if anything happens to your computer, the photo is still safe. Once you have the digital version safe, you can order prints or other photo products of the photo to share with friends and family. The digital version lets you order many photo products as often as you want.