I am looking for some help with this photo, I just can't grasp it... I have used a lot of clone tool, and tried some levels adjustments

You should really scan that at a higher resolution, it'll be really hard to work on.

Hi cducasse,

welcome to RetouchPRO!! :pleased:

I agree with patio87 about the size/resolution of your posted image which is pixelated in solid blocks ... :o: ....

Whether you wish an opinion, or help (or both), it is very important to post the best size and resolution possible of both images (your restoration and the original scan for comparison), keeping the RetouchPRO limit of 100 KB per file attached.

Please read this (http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4398) for help in resizing images for RP...

From what I can see (it is a bit pixelated) I think you've done a great job repairing the missing pieces. I can't tell that the sections were cloned (no obvious patterns or other giveaways).

To me it looks like you need to do a final levels adjustment to fix the contrast. Then I quickly desaturated the image with a hue/sat adjustment layer. Ran NeatImage to clean up the pixels I saw and called it good. Also did a sepia tinted version because some people like it better than B&W.

It could be that there is additional damage you're wanting help on it's just that we can't see it through the pixels. If that's the case you might want to upload a smaller image at a higher quality. Otherwise, I think you've done a beautiful job. :)

Kerry

Where do you get that NeatImage...it appears that is all I really need to clean it up....

Right here...
NeatImage (www.neatimage.com)

Before I ran NeatImage I reduced the image size of your posted work and then re-enlarged it a fraction with bicubic smoothing checked to get rid of some of the pixellation.

Kerry

I think this is my end result. I have posted main progress points on my website. Check it out and let me know what you think.

click here (http://web.mac.com/chris.ducasse/iWeb/Photoshop/Image%20Restoration.html)

Thanks.

Chris

Well I believe you are coming along fine. However I would suggest you post a larger file size here so others can show you some new ways of doing things. Advice on how to get jpeg file sizes uploaded correctly is given by Flora HERE (http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9077)

here is the image, let me know what you think...or if you can do better than I, please do...

I checked out your progression and I still think you've done a wonderful job. I like that you have kept some of the character photos get as they age and not tried to make it look completely brand new. :)

Kerry