Basic restoration consists of removing small scratches and cracks, spots, dates and simple red eyes.
It may also involve adjustment of brightness and contrast, darkening, and sharpening images
that have faded through the years, restoration of color values and adjustment in format and size of the photo.
Minor retouching does not include work in detailed areas.
(Facial areas usually are not retouched in this category except for minor marks where there is no detail)

Better preserved genealogical photos and documents often fit into this category. Moderate retouching of photographs include the basic grade described above plus work in detailed areas of the face and hands and other detailed areas of the photograph, removal of more noticeable dust, minor stains and scratches as well as minor cracks and folds. Retouching may be done in facial and detailed areas, but does not include rebuilding or drawing.
No hand coloring will be done in this category.

Major retouching of photographs includes the basic and the moderate restoration plus some manipulation or enhancement of an image. Repair work may involve removal of tears , more severe folds, scratches, and stains. It also includes removal of damages due to mildew and moisture. Portions of the photo might be missing which will require rebuilding of the image. Due to fading or other damages, restoration actually may involve basic photomontage ( addition or removal of people/objects in the photo).

Severe restoration includes all of the above over a great portion of the photo that requires more extensive enhancement and manipulation. Portions of the photo might be missing which will mean rebuilding of the image is necessary. Some sections may have lost so much data to fading or other damage or may be completely missing that the restoration actually may involve painting of a new image or portion of the image into the photo. If at all possible, another photo of the individual/individuals would be of a great help.