Say you have only one picture of an important ancestor.  That photo should show as much detail as possible without the distracting imperfections that accrue over the years.  Here are examples of two old photos retouched by Barbara Macken as part of her photographic services.

Hints for Protecting and Restoring Old Photos

Old photos are priceless.  We all know that.  Yet we often stash them in cartons, boxes, envelopes without much documentation or protection.  Although modern digital photographic programs can improve damaged photos, prevention is worth a pound of cures.

Here is a great website from Florida State University that gives tips on how to preserve, annotate, and improve old photos of historical (and family) value.