A Passion for Preserving Memories

At Flashback Photo Co, we believe in the power of photos to connect us to the past, preserve our stories, and bring families together.

Since our launch in December 2012, we’ve been dedicated to helping people restore their most cherished memories, one photo at a time.

How It All Began

Our story started in 2009 with a personal project: restoring decades-old family photos for a special gift. In preparing an album for my father’s 60th birthday, I scanned and carefully restored dozens of photos from the 1940s through the 1970s. The reaction was unforgettable. Those photos became the centrepiece of the celebration, sparking conversations, laughter, and nostalgia among family and friends.

That moment revealed the immense value people place on their old photos—and the potential to turn this passion into something greater.

James Walters at Flashback HQ in Brisbane, Australia.

Our Restoration Philosophy

Our approach to restoration is guided by a simple principle: authenticity. We strive to return photos as close as possible to their original state, preserving the texture and feel of the original image. Instead of aiming for airbrushed or artificial perfection, our mission is to honour the integrity of each photo, keeping its history alive.

This sequence shows our result compared with two AI-driven programs:

When colourising black-and-white images, we understand the process involves interpreting the past. Even so, we take great care to achieve natural, true-to-life results, consulting with you to ensure every detail aligns with your vision. We also reference historical examples to enhance accuracy.

Every project is unique, and we’re happy to work with your specific goals to bring your memories back to life in a way that feels just right for you.

Blending Artistry, Expertise, and Technology

With a background in fine arts and over a decade of experience as a graphic designer in advertising, marketing, and publishing, I combined my skills with a deep appreciation for authenticity. At Flashback Photo Co, we also embrace the latest tools, including AI-powered technologies, to enhance efficiency and precision in our workflow.

These tools allow us to tackle complex challenges with speed and accuracy, but every project is guided by skilled hands to ensure high-quality, authentic results. Technology enhances our work—it doesn’t replace it.

The Journey So Far

Building this business hasn’t been without its challenges, but the work is endlessly rewarding. Over the past 12 years, we’ve embraced new tools and techniques to make the process faster and more efficient—allowing us to help even more people preserve their memories.

While the future of restoration may evolve with technology, our mission remains the same: to handle your most treasured photos with the respect and attention they deserve.

What’s Next?

Every project we take on is unique, and every photo tells a story. Whether it’s a family portrait, a historical document, or a treasured keepsake, we’re here to ensure those memories endure for generations to come.

Contact us today to learn how we can help preserve your history.

This photo of Australian veterans was colourised with reference to photos of their own medals.