I have been amazed at some of the brilliant restoration work done on the old photos posted.
I have made several attempts at improving this photo without much success - it ends up worse than it started! Could anyone give me a clue where to start to bring it back to life.

Well I only spent a few minutes on the photo. Inspection of the channels revealed that the blue channel seemed to be the best of three.
To start I used the levels adjustment layer
Next Channel Mixer using the blue Channel
Used the clone tool in lighten mode since most of the defects were dark
The picture is somewhat out of focus I tried sharpening
by copying the layer and running the High Pass Filter on that layer and using the overlay blend mode.

Here is my poor attempt:

1. Duplicated the background layer
2. Levels Adj. Layer
3. Channel Mixer - 60/20/20
4. Curves adjustment Layer, small "S" curve
5. Emptly Layer with Clone & Healing brush
6. Merged Visible
7. Made a Luminosity Mask set to Softlight Blending Mode
8. Empty Layer set to Overlay and painted with a soft black/white brush
9. Merged Visible and did a High Pass Sharpening set to Softlight blend.

Like Phil, I also worked the Blue Channel. I worked the Luminosity and Shadow Masks as well as a bit of Burning of the facial features. I have PS CS so I also ran image thru Shadows/Highlights and sharpened with High Pass.

cheers
Dave

This being a black and white photo, the first thing I did was grayscale it. ;) (Sepia tone can always be added back layer as the last step. There are slicker ways to go b&w also but I copped for the easy method.)

Then I copied the background layer, and changed the blending mode to vivid light.

The smudges are going to take a lot of time and patience, but they're easier to find now I think. This photo's got a focus problem too.

Well that was quick work! Many thanks for the work you did on my photo and they are all miles better than my attempts. I have noted down the methods and will have a go myself.
This is such a great site!

Vastrida

Hi everybody,

Vastrida,

Welcome to RP! :pleased:

I had a go at your picture:

I used the Curves to adjust tone and contrast.
I used Channel Mixer (Blending set to Luminosity) to further improve on tone and contrast.
I used the Heal Brush (Mode = replace) to correct spots and scratches.
Merged visible (the action for merging 'visible' without losing the underlying 'steps' can be downloaded here (http://www.retouchpro.com/resources/fileinfo.php?id=11).)
Duplicated the Merged Layer an lightly blurred it.
Created a new blank Layer (Blending Overlay) and with a soft white/black brush (opacity 10%) I enhanced details and faded shadows.
Used USM to increased contrast and sharpness.
Used Hue&Saturation to correct and lightly decrease the colour.
Finally, created a very soft vignette to darken edges and corners, to make the girl 'pop' out more. (the action for darkening Edges and Corners can be downloaded here (http://www.retouchpro.com/resources/fileinfo.php?id=37)).


Hope this helps....

Flora
Thanks for the work on my photo. Does everyone use Photoshop? I have PSP7 and am wondering if there is a great difference between these. If there is then it may be worth my while to change over and get to grips with new software. I have delayed doing this because you get comfortable with the software you know.
Once again thanks for everyones help.

Vastrida

Vastrida,

thanks for your kind feedback! :pleased:

As to your question .... I think most of us use PS, but not all of us!!! I know many use PSP and PSE and I know that they have found ways to use or tweak their 'Tools' to get where 'Photoshoppers' get!!

Before changing software, you might ask for advices and tips by posting in our Software Forum (http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=9) ... I'm sure you'll get plenty of help!!

Just My Two Cents Worth. I Think Flora's Is The Best. That Looks So Good To Me. I Think That Is The Best You Are Ever Gonna Get From This Photo. Diana