Family Gallery Keep Memories Alive in Palos Verdes

A few weeks ago, a client in Palos Verdes had reached out to us to help them create a unique family gallery wall.  In the beginning, they just wanted to frame their wedding and children’s photos.  Since the space they have is quite sizeable, we thought it would be best if they created an impactful “visual family tree” for the three large walls going up the staircase.

Our concept for the family gallery wall was to incorporate images of the couple’s great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents. This family gallery wall would not only be something they and their family could share and admire, but it would also become a treasured family heirloom.  In time, this collection would be something that subsequent generations could use to connect them to their ancestors.

One of the problems we faced with the family gallery wall was assembling a comprehensive collection of family photographs.  Several of the vintage photographs were with other family members who were spread across the United States.  In addition, some of the family members were afraid the images would be damaged or lost in transit.

To assail their concerns, we mailed out rigid paperboard envelops, so they could safely mail us the images.  Once we had collected all of these vintage photographs, we scanned and saved them as high-resolution files.  Some of the photos were in a sad state; many had tears, stains, foxing, and discoloration. Once scanned, we proceeded to restore and colour-correct each image, bringing these photos back to their former splendor.

When the time came to print the images for the family gallery wall we wanted to stay true to the vintage photographs.  The older images, which were usually printed on a thicker matte paper, could not be printed on either lustre or glossy paper, because, we felt, they would lose their integrity and intrinsic beauty.  Therefore, we opted to re-print them on a matte watercolour paper with a smooth finish.  Our goal was to have the final prints closely match the colour and vintage quality of the originals.

One of the benefits my clients enjoyed the most was that now that these treasured photographs were scanned, restored, and colour-corrected; as digital files, anyone in the family could print and enjoy these wonderful old photographs for years to come.

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