Job Title: "Someone Who Is Good At Making Images Not Bad"

June 17, 2023 8:29 AM

I want to hire someone to edit an image, but I don't know how best to describe what I need done. What sort of image editing person am I looking for?

I have a 3x5 index card that's over 20 years old and has incredible value to me. It's not in great shape any more: it has stains and some pretty bad folds.

What I want to do is scan the card and have someone edit the image in order to make it look good again. I want to end up with a digital version of the image and writing on the card, but cleaned up so all the wear and tear is gone.

What sort of service am I looking for? Would someone who offers photo editing services be willing to do this? Or a digital artist? And, also, any idea how much I should expect this to cost?

posted by meese to Media & Arts (8 answers total)

I’d suggest looking on Fiverr.com. I don’t think you need someone who advertises “sentimental index card clean up.” Many people who do image editing would be able to do this. I’d expect to pay $20 or so, maybe more if you want a super duper great job.

Good luck! It’s a great story.
posted by Winnie the Proust at 8:36 AM on June 17, 2023 [2 favorites]

I've seen this service offered for damaged photos at local photography studios.
posted by nanny's striped stocking at 8:38 AM on June 17, 2023

Someone who digitally restores old photographs would probably be excellent at this — they know very well how to edit out stains and folds.
posted by mekily at 8:41 AM on June 17, 2023

There’s a subreddit called r/estoration that does this kind of thing. Sorry I’m having trouble linking to it.
posted by sacrifix at 10:00 AM on June 17, 2023

Photo restoration
posted by matildaben at 10:30 AM on June 17, 2023 [1 favorite]

Agree with “photo restoration,” also suggest “image retouching.”
posted by D.Billy at 11:49 AM on June 17, 2023 [1 favorite]

Everything one else has good answers and here's something else to consider: Getting the file printed on a thicker cardstock if not an index card itself. Then getting that laminated so it's not easily damaged. Finally, ask the artist for the digital file, so that if anything happens to your new copy, you can get it remade. Expect to pay a bit more for getting that digital file.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 11:58 AM on June 17, 2023 [1 favorite]

retoucher / photo restoration
posted by bradbane at 11:25 AM on June 18, 2023