Basic retouching includes cropping (trimming) of the image, colour correction and removal of defects, such as dust, hair and scratches from scanned film

More advanced retouching includes removal of distracting elements, localised colour adjustments, enhancement (or partial suppression) of skies and backgrounds and any other basic alterations to the truth of the original image that the client may require

This will include cropping, removal of skin blemishes, softening of wrinkles, colour correction, removing stray hair where it is distracting and similar corrections

In more advances retouching, we can alter backgrounds, provide skin smoothing and other airbrushing techniques to enhance the subject's appearance

Damaged, and usually very old photos can be scanned or rephotographed (depending on size) and then restored using retouching techniques

In most cases cracks due to bending, small tears and to a degree missing corners or edges can be patched and restored to often original condition

Stains can be reduced, colour can be restored to black and white or original toned colours such as antique brown and various shades of sepia

With certain subjects, it is also possible to restore natural looking colour to old monochrome images, largely using AI tools and retouching techniques

What is possible is all a matter of time and skill vs. affordability