where do I start?

[ukpapasmurf]

Sorry to be a pain
My brother has given me a negative taken way back in the 60's
He tells methat the details of the bull were much clearer in the original print
I have scanned it which has given the attached result.
Where I go from here I have no idea.
Would anyone care to advise me please?
Am using Paint Shop Pro X as I find it easier to use
many thanks in advance
Smurf

[creeduk]

Did you get it scanned with a true negative scanner or just an adapter on a standard flat bed? From what I understand a true negative scanner will capture a lot more detail, part of the problem is the glass (many neg scanners are glassless) and also the gap from mount to scan. SO the first place to start is doing the most you can to get a really great start scan.

[ukpapasmurf]

Scanned with a flatbed with an adaptor (Hewlett Packard 4470c) - have scanned the negative a number of times and this seems to be the best I can get
thx
Smurf

[bart_hickman]

Do you have any auto contrast adjustments turned on? That image you posted looks high contrast for a negative--the high contrast is making the bull's face black. If you can turn off all auto adjusting, you'll get a much flatter image, but the bulls face may be visible.

Bart

[ukpapasmurf]

Have played abour with the scanner settings.
The best I seem to be able to get on the bulls face is in greyscale with the brightness set high
As soon as it is darkened I loose the face again

Smurf

[ukpapasmurf]

sorry I should have attached pic