Image Help - - What more can I do to improve this photo?

Dena · #1 05-26-2007, 12:27 PM

A friend of mine found out that I have been learning to do photo restoration and asked me to see what I could do with a picture of her dad's family. I am posting the original and what I have done so far. I'm not unhappy with my results, but since this is the first time I have ever attempted a restoration completely on my own, with no guidance, there are bound to be improvements that can be made.

Thanks to all of you who post here regulary, and allow those of us that are new to learn from your experience. I am constantly in awe of the level of talent here.

The photos that I am attaching are about one fourth the size of the original that I worked on.

Thanks!

Dena..

DCobb · #2 05-27-2007, 12:21 AM

You have made some nice improvements in the picture. The first thing that captures my attention is the reflection (hot spots) on the glasses of the four adults in the center. The burn tool might be helpful to slightly darken the area.

dc

Dena · #3 05-27-2007, 02:31 PM

Thanks, DC. I don't have much confidence in my dodge / burn abilities so it didn't even occur to me to fix those highlights that way. I tend to use methods that allow me to work with an adjustment layer or new blank layer.

It is definitely time to roll up my sleeves and work on my burning technique. Once I get that done I will post an updated version. Thank you for taking the time to give me some advice, I really appreciate it.

Dena..

Swampy · #4 05-27-2007, 02:41 PM

Dena...

About the easiest way to dodge and burn is to create two layers above your work and filled with 50% gray and set them both to Overlay Blend mode. Name one Dodge (paint here with soft white brushes to highlight) and the other Burn (paint on this one with soft black brushes to darken). This way, if you go to far you can make corrections (switch brushes and repaint) or start over.

Dena · #5 05-27-2007, 03:09 PM

Swampy, thank you so much! That's exactly what I needed. Now I'm actually excited about doing some dodge / burn!

Dena..

Dena · #6 05-28-2007, 01:49 PM

Here is the result of my Dodge / Burn attempt. I was constantly worried about darkening the areas too much, so I may actually have not darkened them enough. :::sigh::: Hopefully, that is something I will be able to judge better as I gain experience.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Dena..

Swampy · #7 05-28-2007, 03:18 PM

By Jove, I think she's getting it! :-)

Panpan · #8 05-28-2007, 07:04 PM

Hi Dena,

They look squeezed in a dark and cramped room. I started with your restoration and gave them some light and room with PS's shadow/highlight, screen blend mode and lens blur filter.

Pierre

Dena · #9 05-29-2007, 12:23 PM

Swampy, thank you so much! Coming from you that's a great compliment!

Pierre, thank you for taking the time to help me with this. I see what you mean about it needing to be lightened, it really does seem to open the picture up. I'll see if I can come close to what you have done.

Again.. thanks to everybody that has taken the time to help. I'm REALLY enjoying learning the restoration process. I only wish I had started years ago, it's so nice to have something I enjoy doing this much!

Dena..

Dena · #10 05-29-2007, 12:56 PM

Dang it... I hit send too soon. I have one more quick question.

The picture that I am doing the work on is a duplicate of the original that my friend sent. That picture is as follows:

Canvas size = 3525 pixels x 2944 pixels
Print size = 5.875 in. x 4.907 in.
RGB color
1.12 MB (The file I am working on is up to 243.6 MB now. Yikes!)
8 Bit
600 ppi

When the original is that large do you downsize the duplicate that you work on or do you leave it in it's original state?

Thanks, Dena..