How to retouch this

[TokenArt]

I am new to photo restoration and wanted a walkthrough by someone who knows this based on this picture so I can try it myself

TokenArt

[Leah]

To start with, do you have access to a higher-resolution scan of the photograph in question? The one you have is a bit small.

First part of doing any photo restoration -- make sure you have the best possible digital file to start with. If you absolutely can't get a better scan then you can work with what you have but the results won't be as good.

[TokenArt]

sorry to say thats the best pic I have unless I can rescan to bigger size..I can try that...but not sure will work.

TokenArt

[rondon]

I ran it thru "neat image" then duplicated & multiplied the layer ... lowered the opacity of the new layer... flattened it then adjusted the contrast.... something frowned on but seemed to help.

this is now at 300ppi .....altho I had to compress it to fit here... while I was working with it the pixelation was min. once repairs are made you may be able to sharpen it and print an 8x10

as you may soon see there are lots of ways to approach this... have fun

[TokenArt]

Great work...I didn't even get close to that...

TokenArt

[rondon]

If you haven't got it the Demo is a free edition of the software with slightly-limited functionality

http://www.neatimage.com/

it often does a good job easily but not always.. some photos are so bad I've ran them thru neat image more than once. you just have to be carefull not to lose much detail.

good luck

[TokenArt]

well after learning some things on here tried again..
lets see what folks thinks

TokenArt

[Duv]

Ron, if you used Neat Image, there are lots of controls to adjust so the image isn't too blurry, unless that's the effect you want.
I used a low noise reduction level along with lots of selective blurring, patching and darkening hair around the edges.

Cheers
Dave

[Flora]

Hi everybody,

Great Jobs!!

As a fanatic for details and for the "as close as possible to the original", like Dave, I tend to work away from a 'blurred effect' but this is only my taste....

For this picture I tried a softer 'dreamy' effect thinking it could be more of TokenArt liking.

I used Polaroid Dust&Scratches Filter (can be downloaded free here) to remove light and dark dust.

I used Neat Image, very soft settings to minimize the noise.

I created a new empty Layer>Blending=Color and, with a soft brush (Opacity 30-50%), sampling from surrounding areas, I corrected the 'discolorations' (specially on her hair).

I created a 'Shadow Mask' Layer (Ctrl+Alt+~>select Luminosity ; Ctrl+I>Invert ; Ctrl+J>Copy the shadow Mask on its own Layer) and used the curves to balance Lights, Shadows and midtones on it ... (this balanced mainly hair and dress).

I used a channel Mask to select the girl, Ctrl+J copied my selection to its own Layer and set the Blending to Screen.

I very strongly blurred the Screen Layer and adjusted its Opacity until I was satisfied with the not too strong, dreamy effect.

Used a radial Gradient to replace the background.

[Gary Richardson]

Hi Flora, great job. I too used Polaroid Noise & Dust and Neat Image. I also used a Colour blend layer to even out colour, and a Soft Light 50% grey layer to even out contrast. I think we got a similar sort of look, although I prefer your background.

[Duv]

I seem to like to do two renditions. One before Flora and then one after I've seen how much better her's looks. Awesome again Flora! Good job on your's too, Gary!

Cheers
Dave

[TokenArt]

All of these have been so good...great work to everyone...and thanks so much for the help and great info.

TokenArt

[Gary Richardson]

Hi Dave, thanks for the kind words. Love your second rendition. One thing though, you've missed out on the bottom left hand corner. I noticed it because I did the same, and only noticed it after I'd posted, I had to do a quick touch up on that section and then re-post.

[Duv]

Thanks Gary. That's probably why I wouldn't do well as a retouching professional. My excuse is that when I saw yours I assumed it had some unusual significance.

Cheers
Dave

[Gary Richardson]

You and me both mate. The really deep meaning it had is that my quality control needs a severe looking at. Good job I don't do this for a living.