I'm usually taking pictures (roycehutain.com (http://roycehutain.com) ) not fixing them. I use photoshop everyday to adjust curves, levels, etc. but I want to get better at fixing old photos. I got this one from my mom and decided to try and fix it. I opened it in PS and just stared at it. I have no idea where to start! Can someone do their magic and explain what steps they took? What's the first thing you fix? THANKS!!!!

Royce, first thing I did was straighten and crop. Maybe it's just me, but I can't stand to work on something that doesn't appear straight!

Then here are the basic steps I took -- I know the colors aren't quite right -- hopefully I can learn how others work on the colors.

- use the white dropper in levels to determine the white point -- click on the paper border -- I assumed that is white. That removed most of the yellow cast
- inspect the color channels -- blue looks the worst, and has the yellow stain
- replace the blue channel as described in Jak's tutorial here
http://www.retouchpro.com/tutorials/replace/index.html
- adjust hue and saturation to get the colors how you want
- patch and clone
- select the background, run filter/noise/median to even out the cloning and remaining cracks; add slight bit of noise back in to match the original
- final contrast adjustment

Scott

Royce -- let's start with a noticeable correction, and rotate the picture to its proper axis. Good! Now we feel better, and we've accomplished something. My goodness -- what a lovely child, and look at those big blue eyes!! :)

You can start most retouch/restore jobs by checking the Channels to see whether one or more show less damage than others. The Red channel is too light, but the damage appears to be the same in each channel (although harder to see in the light Red channel).

Doing a Levels or Curves Layer adjustment is one step you want to do early in your assessment -- if you see any unwanted color cast or density problems. This photo has a defiinite yellow cast, and will be enhanced by a Levels or Curves adjustment. (Whichever technique you can most easily handle -- or you can use Image->Variations if you aren't ready yet to try either.) After an adjustment -- her eyes are even more blue, and you get a better idea of the colors in her clothing -- which will need to be fixed in those areas where the cracks have broken off some of the actual photo emulsion.

Some cracks and discoloration are in the backdrop, and these won't be much of a problem because you can simply replace those areas without losing any image detail. There is some damage in the facial area and the hair -- this will take some careful work to make it look like it was never touched.

What version of PShop do you have? If you have V7, then learning to use the Healing tool will work on much of the image damage. If you have an earlier version, you can practice cloning, and /or Dust and Scratches with the History brush. Look at the Tutorials section --
Tutorials (http://www.retouchpro.com/tutorials/index.html)

If you're interested in learning, practice is the only way. There's a good deal of work needed here to eliminate the colored spots, cracks, etc., but even a bit of work on your part will make you a hero to your mom when you show her the work you've done.

Hi Royce,

I also corrected the angle and I cropped the picture. I used Hue/Saturation to make an overall color correction, but then went into selected areas and individually altered the color further. I removed the tears and missing elements with either the history brush or simply using the rubber stamp tool.

Hope it helps.

Thanks guys. Ya, I have PS7 and am familiar with most of the tools. This definately gives me a start. The inconsistant yellow areas is what was really bothering me. Now why are the yellow areas in the blue channel?

Well, here's my first attempt. What do you guys think?

Royce, good job, definitely much improved. Couple of nitpicks -- still a little yellow cast around her eyes, the catchlight in her eyes shouldn't be blue, any way to soften the transition between her and the background, and her bottom lip could be improved.

Good job!

So what are the main things you learned in doing this exercise?

Scott

How do I get rid of that yellow cast? I couldn't figure it out.

This photo wasn't too badly damaged. It was fun to work with! I like the ones where I can see instant results.

Here are my steps, more or less in order:

1. crop and rotate
2. color/auto adjust
3. healing brush to get rid of most large cracks. clone tool to get rid of more detailed cracks.
4. duplicated layer, set to overlay mode. dropped opacity.
5. same as above with mulitply mode.
6. duplicated layer, ran gaussian blur on it. applied layer mask and painted in at low opacity. I did this to fight the jpg artifacts that were all over the place.
7. added a bit of noise to take away the ultra smooth cast that the layer mask left behind.

The inconsistant yellow areas is what was really bothering me. Now why are the yellow areas in the blue channel?

RoyceH,

The yellow is in the blue color channel because the blue channel is opposite of what we print as yellow. In the wonderful world of print (CMY + K) versus a monitor (RBG), you have to think differently. Just like a TV, a presence of all color equals white. In print, an absence of all colors equals white.

Draw a circle with RBG spaced equally around the outside. Between, "R" and "G" place "Y". Between "G" and "B" place "C". And finally, between "B" amd "R" place "M". It should look something like this (hope it looks right):

......R
M..........Y
B..........G
......C

(I had to use the periods to get it to space out correctly.)

Here's a website I found that might help you understand color theory. http://homepages.ius.edu/DCLEM/ptgguide/ptggd7.htm I could go on forever about it, but I think it will be easier for you to read and see it.

I hope this helps you. :)

Hi everybody!

What a stunning little girl!

CJ, "..those big blue eyes..." are really incredibly beautiful, aren't they?

Royce,

Big improvement! And to what Scott has already pointed out, I'd add the flatness of a 'one colour only' background which is also a bit too smooth in comparison with the rest of the image.... You could try a Gradient and add a bit of Noise :)

What I did here is the following:

**1) Duplicated the image twice.

2) Changed one of the duplicates into CMYK and looked at the channels.

3) Working on the CMYK Duplicate, I highlighted the Black Channel and run Image->Apply Image, selecting the Cyan Channel as source and setting the blending mode to Multiply. (This added consistency to the image).

4) I dragged the 'fixed CMYK Layer' on top of the background of my RGB duplicate.**

5) I used Clone Tool and Healing Brush to remove scratches and clean up.

6) I corrected the colours using Selective Color, Hue&Saturation and a soft Airbrush (Mode->Color, Opacity 10-30%).

7) Created a new Layer, blending->Overlay, and with a soft black or white Airbrush (Opacity 5-10%), I selectively enhanced different parts of the image.

8) I replaced the original background with a Radial Gradient.

I finally sharpened the image a bit using the High Pass Filter.

As for removing a colour cast from part of an image, there are many ways ... After loosely selecting the damaged part, I usually go for either Selective Color or Replace Color .... I might have found an easier way to do it ... If it works well, I'll post it as a Tip. ;)


**(I've been asked why I do this...well, fact is:
1) I prefer working on RGB images and I read somewhere that changing back and forth between LAB, CMYK and RGB leads to loss of details therefore I change the second duplicate into whatever Mode suits me best, taking (copying) from it what I need..
2) I like to keep a duplicate of the original picture as my Background Layer for immediate comparison or correction of the changes I've done, without having to keep an extra window opened in my limited workspace!)

Flora -- that's a beautiful job! Makes me cringe seeing my pitiful effort -- but then again I was working at close to midnight last night, only to demonstrate some quick techniques.

I think I need to work in the CMYK world to see what advantages that provides...

Scott

Wow, that's all I can say. Very well done.

Here is my rendition. Hope you like it.

Ken

Flora, that's stunning work!

Tyeise

Beautiful job as always Flora! I tried following your instructions - having never used apply image before, I decided it was time given that you'd so nicely explained your process. Any chance you can right a tutorial on using "apply image" to restore photos? I understand what you did (I think), but I'm not sure why you (seemingly) immediately went to the black channel and replaced it. Also, I'm wondering why you chose cyan to replace it with b/c while I was playing around with it, I thought that the red channel (from the duplicate RGB image) evened things out even a bit more than the cyan channel. I'm obviously not trying to critique your work, just get behind the reasoning behind your process - because the end product is great! :)

Thanks, Jeanie

Flora, Jeanie -- I've been practicing for months with the Calculations command, which is similar to Apply Image, but haven't yet learned to predict how to use it best -- I end up using a number of combinations to see what works. Multiplying the Black channel with the Cyan creates a more even toned channel -- it's not replacing the Black with the Cyan, but with a combination of the two. Flora, I'm not sure what you actually did with that channel because you said that you just added it as a layer above the background layer -- did you blend it at some point or what?

By modifying the Blue channel (using Screen mode in calculations to reduce the tones), I was able to reduce the yellow cast. Then I worked on the weak Red channel. I have to admit that I lose my place sometimes while running the calculations ;), but I am able to make some helpful corrections. I don't have it down to a science yet though. Love to hear more from your experiences, Flora.

WOW....:blush: .... Thank you all very, very much for your kindness and great comments!!!!

Ken... I love your rendition .... the beautifully blended texture!...(I'll have to try it sometimes .... I wonder why I never do!)

Carolyn... Very good colour correction!

Jeanie...I'm preparing a tutorial on 'Apply Image' .. mind you ... I'm definitely no expert in doing this ... but I'll give it a try!... :D

As for the methods and techniques I use working on photos, they are just a matter of choice of the moment I start... I never follow a particular fixed line ... I just start and decide the next step according to the result I get from my first correction...(I bet you thought I was incredibly organized.... :D .... well...on the contrary!!!)

Because of a particular moment I'm going through, I'm 'stuck' at home most of the time so this gives me plenty of time to 'experiment, try, mix, bend, etc.' and this is how I get to 'my' results...

As for the Apply Image technique, I took those steps for the following reasons:

1) I prefer working on RGB images and I read somewhere that changing back and forth between LAB, CMYK and RGB leads to loss of details therefore I change the second duplicate into whatever Mode suits me best, taking (copying) from it what I need..

2) In this case, I chose CMYK exclusively because of the Black Channel (not available in RGB), since tweaking the CMYK Black Channel changes Tone & Contrast only, without altering the colours.

3) I like to keep a duplicate of the original picture as my Background Layer for immediate comparison or correction of the changes I've done, without having to keep an extra window opened in my limited workspace!)

Carolyn... sorry to have confused you ... :( ... I think the problem are the Source and Target Channels in the Apply Image or Calculation dialog boxes..... If after 'highlighting' a channel, in this case the black one, you open the Apply Image dialog box, you'll see it selected as both Source and Target Channel .... at this point you can't change the Target Channel, but you can still choose your Source one! ..... In this case, I chose:

Source -> CYAN
Target -> BLACK
Blending -> MULTIPLY
Opacity -> 100%

Incredible job Flora! Yours is the best correction I've seen; far better than mine. ;)

You ask how to get rid of the yellow cast in some areas. I am surprised to see so many folks trying to use PS functions to achieve this when there is a much quicker method, which will take care of just the overly yellow areas without affecting color in other parts of the photo. All you need to do is use the paintbrush, a really big fuzzy one, set to low opacity and color mode. Then choose a few colors to use instead of that yellow and brush over the areas a few times here and there. Mixing slightly different colors will give it a more natural look.

As for softening the edge of your mom against the blue background, put her on her own layer, put a solid blue layer behind her, then go around the edges of mom with an eraser set to a soft brush. This will remove the sharp edge. You could also try selecting the empty area around her, feathering the selection a bit, then hitting delete.

Hope this helps a bit.

By the way, Flora, ditto on "great job!"

Phyllis

What a great job you are all doing, and Flora, your results were stunning. I couldn't resist playing around with your delightful mum too, Royce....even to the extent of doing 3 of her in different styles..hope you don't mind me submitting all 3. I will try to explain as best as I can how I did this first version...please bear with me, :bow:

I too can't stand things not on the correct angle etc...so I cropped and rotated the photo first of all. I had great fun working on 'Mom'...she was such a pretty girl and a pleasure to do.

For this first one, I tried to keep it as natural as possible, enhancing the colours , after getting rid of that awful yellow and some blue. These are the steps that I took to get this result.


* Applied PSP 8's One Step Photo fix script.

*Background eraser to remove background...created a new layer for a new background

*filled this with gradient and then used Fantastic Machine filter.

*Gamma Correction to get the colours back to normal.

*Color Balance...to do just that. *s*

*fixed scratches etc with Retouch tools...push, smudge, soften.

*Isolated hair, face and neck and clothing with lasoo tool...put them on their own layers to work on later.

*Colour to target for the hair...sharpen, lighten and darken to 'lift' it slightly.

*duplicated twice, the face and neck...on one of these copies I changed the blend layer to 'Screen' and lowered the opacity to about 32. On the other copy I sprayed a deep blush colour and then Gaussian blurred at about 20.0..lowering the opacity to about 30. Merged Visible the face and neck areas. I then lightend in certain areas to give highlight and used the smudge brush to blend in. For the real yellow and blue areas I applied a brush with the flesh colour...softly does it.

*repaired clothing and then applied a soft shadow around your mum, finishing off with the soften brush to get rid of any sharp outlines.

*merged all layers visible. I thought it was still lacking somewhat so did a couple more things to it.

*Auto saturation enhancer and then Clarify


*Filters Unlimited 2.0 Color Booster...24

I too take things one step at a time and do not have any set way of doing things...sort of trial and error...not organised either, Flora. :rolleyes:

Cheers,
Opal

For this second version, Royce...I made it greyscale and then colourised....this was another way to get rid of the yellow, but although I like it, it seems more like an oil painting. I used several layers to get the complexion as it is....it was just a fun thing for me to do so I won't get too involved in the steps that I took...apart from everything else....:D I can't remember what they were. I like to try to do all different effects and often apply it in work that I do for others.

cheers
Opal

Last one..sorry for hogging the board. :(

For this I just changed the finished photo to greyscale and applied a slight canvas texture to it...would be great on a birthday card or framed wall print...at least I think it would. :)

cheers
Opal

Opal -- nice work, and there's no thought of you "hogging" the board when you're submitting different versions of your work, especially when you're sharing how you've created them.

Your first version, as the straight restoration, is my preference. It is very well done. The top left of the background is a bit too "blown out" for my tastes, but the girl herself is ready for a family member to see. Looking forward to seeing more of your work.

Originally posted by CJ Swartz
The top left of the background is a bit too "blown out" for my tastes, but the girl herself is ready for a family member to see. Looking forward to seeing more of your work.

Thanks so much, CJ, I am inclined to agree with you on that...it bugged me quite a lot but I must admit that I was concentrating more on the 'girl', I was rather pleased with her. Thanks for your obversations, much appreciated. :)

WOW and WOW again. I have been absorbed in this thread this morning and enjoying how everyone progressed with their tries at restoring this photo. Well done, you were all certainly giving it your best shot! I am grateful for the efforts taken to explain 'steps taken'...... so informative and I've learned a lot. Many thanks to you all. The results were fantastic Flora and Opal (your first one I favour too)...I've copied both your techniques to give them a go and taken note of all other tips provided especially yours Phyllis - thank you.

i.e. (......will take care of just the overly yellow areas without affecting color in other parts of the photo. All you need to do is use the paintbrush, a really big fuzzy one, set to low opacity and color mode. Then choose a few colors to use instead of that yellow and brush over the areas a few times here and there. Mixing slightly different colors will give it a more natural look.)

Slainte
Jade


;)

Jennifer

Thank you so much for your comment :)

Phyllis

Thank you for your kind words and Tip ... I actually used it and described it in the following step of my description ... 6) I corrected the colours using Selective Color, Hue&Saturation and a soft Airbrush (Mode->Color, Opacity 10-30%). ... I didn't specify what I used for what and how, though.... :D

Opal

Thank you very much for your comment.
Great work!!
I agree with CJ and Jade about favouring your first version, but I love the textured greyscale too .... :)

Jade

Thank you so much for your kind words ...
The sharing and learning is what makes of RP a very special place ..... :wavey:

Originally posted by Flora
Jade

The sharing and learning is what makes of RP a very special place ..... :wavey: [/B]

I couldn't agree more, I've learned so much in a short space of time and always thirsty for more info.

Cheers
Jade

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Flora
[B]Jennifer


Great work!!

I agree with CJ and Jade about favouring your first version, but I love the textured greyscale too .... :)

Thanks, Flora! :)