The Better Image - Dedicated to the Conservation and Preservation of Art and Historic Photographs

The Better Image^® was established as a partnership in January 1991 by Nora Kennedy and Peter Mustardo. In January 1998 it was incorporated in the State of New Jersey as ProPhoto International Inc. dba The Better Image (TBI). In March, 2001 the use of The Better Image^® was established domestically and internationally as a registered service mark. In May of 2003, TBI moved into a renovated 5,000-square-foot, dedicated facility within the former Opera House, in historic Milford, New Jersey. One hour west of New York City and one-and one-half hours north of Philadelphia, this facility expanded our ability to handle large works of photographic art while allowing us to maintain access to our clients along the East Coast.

In 2006 The Better Image^® expanded their photograph conservation practice to include a new studio in the Whitehall Building at 511 West 25th Street, Suite 609, New York, New York. While our facility within the Milford Opera House continues to serve for larger photographic works and projects this new location, in the gallery district of Chelsea, makes it easier for our New York City clientele to bring in photographic materials for examination and consultation prior to treatment.

The mission of The Better Image^® is to provide the highest level of professional conservation and preservation services related to art and historic photographs to its diverse clientele while promoting the education of students, collectors and the general public in the theory and practice of photograph conservation and preservation.

First Steps

Given the nature of our work, we require that a photograph to be considered for treatment be examined in one of our studios. We can not work responsibly from e-mailed images alone. With a photograph in our studio we have the time and equipment necessary to closely examine the work, both visually and under magnification, using a variety of lighting to assess its condition and determine its specific process. As needed we may also do local spot testing to determine solubilities and develop treatment options.

As part of our initial work we produce a written condition report along with treatment options that are described and listed step by step. This close examination also allows us to give a responsible estimated cost for the project. We do charge a nominal fee for this initial preparatory work, normally around $150 - $200 for a single photograph which we add to the final invoice should treatment be authorized. Should one decide that treatment is not desired, that initial fee is billed separately. In this manner, although there is an upfront fee, the resultant report gives a baseline reading on the condition of the photograph and a written document that can be taken for a second opinion and/or used to make an informed decision on how to proceed. We recommend that all reports generated be kept for a historical record of the photograph.

With each photograph presenting a unique project, treatments costs have ranged from as low as $500 to over twenty thousand dollars, all dependant upon the nature of the damage and the extent of conservation intervention required. Projects are billed in full upon completion and payment is due within ten days of receipt of our invoice. We strongly recommended that all reports generated remain with the photograph should it change hands in the future ...