We began as art retouchers and printers, which is an art to itself. Later, at the request of our photographic clients, we offered this same restoration and enhancement service for photography as well. At Santa Barbara Image Cafe, every project is done individually, on a pixel-by-pixel level. This offers greater control than the automated scripts that many use, and allows us to correct the whole image rather than just its parts.

Photo enhancement, whether intended for offset press, inkjet print, or internet use, involves correct exposure, color balance, and contrast of the image. In addition we can help eliminate many of the problems facing photographic images, including harsh lighting, poor camera focusing, water damage, spots, tears, fading, and unwanted backgrounds and objects.

And, equally important, our years of experience provides us with the knowledge of when to exercise restraint. In all of our digital photo restoration, photo retouching and photo enhancement projects, our main focus is to ensure that the integrity of the original work is maintained without overcompensating and overworking. Many times a photograph requires only simple color, brightness, and contrast enhancement, not extensive manipulation and repair. Since we work on a digital image instead of the original photograph, slide or negative, the original image is never compromised or altered.

We are also well-versed in color management and proper resolution for particular situations, so your photo will be optimized for the proper output--whether monitor or print--it is intended for.