Restoring Monda – A Portrait from 1926

In a quiet corner of a New Braunfels antique shop, I found a portrait that felt like it was waiting to be seen again. Nestled among stacks of forgotten photos, this one held a little more weight—an inscription in delicate handwriting read:“To Uncle Emilio, from Monda, 1926.”

That small detail immediately brought the image to life. Unlike so many nameless faces lost to time, this young woman had a name. Monda. The year was 1926, and she had gifted this portrait to someone she loved. Perhaps it was for a birthday, a graduation, or simply a gesture of affection in a time when formal portraits were treasured keepsakes.

The original photograph had faded into sepia tones over the decades. Time had softened the sharpness of her features, but her gentle smile and poised expression remained. As I worked to restore the image, I thought about what Monda’s world might have looked like nearly 100 years ago—what dress she might have chosen for the occasion, what dreams she carried, and what it meant to her to have this moment captured on film.

Using digital restoration tools, I carefully brought out the details in her face, smoothed the wear and tear, and colorized the image to reflect the delicate elegance I imagined she had. I gave subtle tones to her hair, softened her dress with warm neutrals, and added life back into the soft flower at her shoulder.

This work is always deeply personal for me. I don’t just see old paper and faded ink—I see someone’s daughter, niece, friend. Someone who sat still and smiled for a photograph that was meant to last. And while I may never know more about Monda than her name and the year this was taken, I hope this restoration honors her memory and the bond she shared with Uncle Emilio.

Every forgotten photo holds a story. I’m grateful for the chance to help them be remembered.