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The Perfect Gift That Your Family and Friends Will Love

 

Do you ever have difficulty thinking of a gift for someone special? A gift they will truly appreciate?

Our bespoke, premium quality photobooks are the perfect gift that your family and friends will love – one that is bound to give lasting pleasure.

A PHOTOBOOK IS AN IDEAL GIFT FOR….

Christmas

Birthday

Wedding Anniversary

Special Occasion

Photographs really are one of the very few things that are both precious and truly irreplaceable. We usually store them away in a cupboard, drawer or the attic and never look at or appreciate them as often as we should.

A collection of your favourite photographs, beautifully presented in one of our high quality lay-flat photobooks makes looking at them a pleasure every time.

As well as considering old family photographs, don’t forget that you probably have thousands of photographs on your mobile phone that may never see the light of day!
Choose the best ones and fully enjoy them in a photobook.

We can help you at every stage of the process, including scanning and collating your photographs, optimising them to reduce fading and correct the colours, putting the photobook together with titles and captions and even sending you an online virtual proof of the book, for you to approve before it’s printed. 

Our new lay-flat VIP photobook offers a truly professional finish. The photographs in it are photographically printed on heavy weight 440gsm photographic lustre paper and then sewn bound for added permanence. The outer cover can also be printed. This is a substantial book that is far superior to many other photobooks you may have seen. 
The seamless lay-flat albums use a unique stitched binding which allows for the continuous flow of images over a spread, with no central image loss.  See further details HERE            

Take the first step now! It’s so easy to proceed in simple steps. 

 To see these steps  CLICK HERE  

This is a testimonial we received as a result of a photobook we produced recently:

“We had the idea of a family history photobook and turned to Photographs Forever for help and advice. Over the last year we have worked with Richard and his daughter Amy to restore and edit around 175 photographs and create an illustrated family history. The photo restoration work was never in doubt but what really struck us this time was the quality of the design and layout of the album, combining very old sepia toned photos with modern, colour digital prints together with a significant amount of explanatory text. One friend described the finished product as “a work of art” and the whole family is mightily impressed. We now have a wonderful photographic record for posterity and are very grateful to Richard and team for making this possible and for the never-ending patience throughout the project – Many thanks Richard”
Graham J.

Photographs Forever on Radio Caroline

Radio Caroline

We have just started advertising Photographs Forever on Radio Caroline to increase the awareness of the importance of preserving our memories with photographs.

Like me, I’m sure many people remember the heyday of the pirate radio stations in the mid 60’s and the way they revolutionised popular music by playing and plugging singles all day every day as there was very little pop music on the BBC at the time. BBC were then forced in 1967 to create a new pop music station which became Radio 1.

A month or so ago  the family were holidaying overlooking the Blackwater Estuary in Essex and noticed a stationary red ship which I soon realised was Radio Caroline.  I was intrigued to listen to the station and found I liked much of the music played and decided that if I enjoyed it then maybe so would other people of a similar age (and younger of course).

Radio Caroline is now a 24/7 album station featuring music from across the decades up to and including new music.

Broadcasting on 648 AM, on DAB and around the world online at radiocaroline.co.uk 

 

You can listen to the Photographs Forever advertisement below

 

There is also the Caroline Flashback station which concentrates on playing pop singles from the 60’s and 70’s. Lots of the songs played are ones we remember but not always the same oldies so often played on other oldie stations.

 

 

Click on the links above and take a listen to the Caroline stations.

Here are compelling reasons why you should tune into Radio Caroline Flashback:

Nostalgic Music Selection: The station plays a rich mix of classic hits from the 1960s, 1970s, and beyond, taking listeners on a trip down memory lane and bringing back the soundtracks of their youth.

Authentic Retro Experience: Radio Caroline Flashback maintains the spirit and legacy of the original Radio Caroline, which was iconic for its role in the 1960s pirate radio movement. It recaptures that rebellious, free-spirited essence.

Unique Radio Heritage: Tuning in supports and celebrates a piece of broadcasting history, as Radio Caroline is known for pioneering the concept of independent radio in the UK.

Community Connection: Listening provides a shared experience with others who appreciate the golden era of music, fostering a sense of community among like-minded fans.

Ad-Free and Non-Commercial: The station prioritizes the music without commercial interruptions, offering a refreshing and relaxing listening experience AND NO NEWS!

High-Quality Broadcasts: Radio Caroline Flashback provides crystal-clear sound quality, allowing older classics to be enjoyed in their full, rich audio detail.

A Break from Modern Trends: It offers a respite from the fast-paced, modern music trends, providing a comforting and familiar alternative that resonates with older tastes.

Musical Variety: The station features an extensive playlist that highlights not just the biggest hits but also hidden gems from past decades, catering to varied tastes and deepening the appreciation of vintage music.

Timeless DJs and Hosts: The station may include presenters who have been part of the radio industry for decades, bringing their knowledge, personal stories, and passion for music to the forefront.

Accessible and Easy to Use: Radio Caroline Flashback is accessible online and through various radio platforms, making it easy to tune in from anywhere with minimal technical hassle.

Keeps Memories Alive: For many older listeners, the music played on Radio Caroline Flashback can spark memories of special moments in their lives, from first dances and concerts to road trips and social gatherings.

Promotes Well-Being: Music from one’s past can evoke positive emotions, improve mood, and even promote cognitive function, offering mental health benefits.

Cultural Relevance: Listening helps maintain a connection with cultural history and keeps alive the legacy of a revolutionary era in music and broadcasting.

Radio Caroline Flashback isn’t just a station; it’s an experience that preserves and celebrates the sounds and spirit of past decades for those who lived through them and wish to relive their cherished memories.

 

Increasing Demand for Our High Quality Photobooks and Photograph Framing

Due to the increasing demand I am receiving for photograph restoration, I’d like to keep you informed of some changes I’ve introduced within the company to make sure we can stay as efficient as possible.

My daughter Amy (Haines) has now joined Photographs Forever. She has been helping me part-time over the last 7 years and, having recently finished her degree at university, is now working with me full-time. Amy (Lees) has moved into a new role and Selina (Payandee) is now my Administration Assistant.

Amy Haines

Selina Payandee

Introducing our professional framing service to complement and further enhance your restored photographs has proved to be very popular with my customers. This means we are able to offer a complete service, transforming your damaged and fading photographs into to a high quality framed photograph you will truly enjoy forever. Here is the link to more details and the advantages of our frames.

Our photobooks are also increasing in popularity and another great way to enjoy your favourite photographs by printing them in a book that will not fade or deteriorate. The photobooks we provide are good value and much higher quality and specification than those ordinarily found in the high street. Here is the link to more details of our photobooks with a step by step guide to help you to organise your photographs and make your photobook a reality.

CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE VIDEO OF THE TWO BOOKS COMPARED

Here is a photobook we completed recently which duplicated an existing album that was lovingly put together just after World War 2. The new photobook is virtually twice the size of the original and is now in a form that will literally last forever and can be handed down through generations to preserve precious family history.  

If you would like any more details, information or advice in relation to your photographs or how I can help please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. I look forward to hearing from you.

What’s YOUR Most Important, Irreplaceable Possession?

Boris-web

2020 has been a very unusual year in so many ways for all of us. One factor that has occurred to many of us is the importance of the family and close relationships as we have had time to reflect.

I will be moving to a smaller house soon and, as I have to get rid of quite a lot of ‘stuff’,  it has occurred to me that when I look around the house to decide what’s precious, there really is very little that I couldn’t live without. Except photographs. Photographs are one of the very few things that can’t be replaced and they are therefore possibly our most important and valuable possession.

Because we have all had more time on our hands than usual, photograph collections that have been overlooked for years have finally been finding the light of day and getting them scanned and either optimised or fully restored has enabled these very special photographs to be enjoyed so much more. 

So, if you haven’t checked out your own photograph collection yet, there is no better time than the cold dark winter months. Apart from anything else, it is actually a very enjoyable exercise. So make that diary note to do it. You’ll be glad you did. 

 

 

 

 

Top Quality Framing For Your Restored Photograph

There has been a very big increase in the number of photographs I have received because going through the masses of old family photographs is a job that is so often put off by many people due to lack of time and for these past few months have provided  the time and the environment to tackle the task. It’s always much more fun than people expect. And the rewards are huge.

I am now very excited to be able to offer you a top quality bespoke framing service. This means I can offer custom size prints, mounts and frames to show off your restored photographs in the best way possible so they can receive the attention and admiration they deserve.

The most popular moulding is the solid wood satin black or mahogany with single or double mounts.

Satin Black Frame

Satin Black Frame

 

Mahogany frame

Mahogany frame

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I can also provide multi aperture frames – the one below is 20in x 16in with two landscape format 8in x 6in prints and two portrait format 5in x 7in prints. There are several multi aperture options available and the frames can be any size you choose. Heavier mouldings are available for larger sizes.

Quad-mount-frame-5-650

 

I can even show you what your photograph will look like before you order including all the relevant dimensions. This is particularly useful if you want a specific frame size to fit a specific space in your house.

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A representation of your own photo with dimensions added

A representation of your own photo with dimensions added

Further details are available here

Badly Damaged Photograph Restored

This photograph was in a really bad state as you can see below.

Ann M was very happy with the result. She told me “My Mum’s picture has pride of place on the mantelpiece and is a great talking point for everyone who comes in!  My brother and sisters back in Ireland have been astounded and delighted with the copies I sent them. It has given us all so much happiness.”

 AM_01R1

Business As Usual

 

Business as Usual

I am operating normally during these difficult times. I work from home on the edge of the Ashdown Forest in Sussex.

Royal Mail are continuing to operate as normal so work coming to me and going out by post is not affected.

I am restricting face to face customer meetings but have arrangements for my customers to deliver their photographs and collect their completed orders. If you are working from home and with the restrictions ongoing out it could just be a great time to concentrate on going through your old photographs and those on your phone/computer and start to make the most of them.

If you need any advise or help just give me a call.

In the meantime stay safe.

Combine Two Separate Photographs Into One

I was provided with two poor quality scans of cut-out damaged photographs that were not to scale with each other and asked to combine them and add a fitting background.

Here’s the result.

PA_01R1

Restoration of Photo of Deteriorating Oil Painting

JG-comp

My customer John G had a photograph he had taken of an old oil painting of an early member of his family (centre photo above). The photograph he gave me was not very good quality itself and you can see by the close up of the face on the left that the surface of the painting was also very cracked and damaged.
On the right is the same section after I had digitally restored it.

The Impossible Made Possible

Holly asked me to create this photograph for her mum. 

She left this review on Google:

Richard at Photographs Forever blended three photographs together for me of my mum with myself and two sisters, one who sadly passed away when she was a baby before my second sister was born. It’s a photograph that would have been impossible to do but my mum wished she had a photo of us all together and now she does. It made her cry and is the sort of thing that is absolutely priceless and means so much. Richard stayed in touch the whole time and his communication was second to none. Such a professional service and very reasonably priced too. Will definitely be using him again!

The impossible made possible