Photo Restoration Classes

[Jakaleena]

My plan is to make a pitch to the local adult education facility to start a class on restoring old photos (they already offer computer classes, and genealogy and historical societies are a biggie around here). I'm just trying to get a lesson plan together and some materials to work with before I approach them with the idea. I'd at least like to LOOK like I know what I'm doing...

When Doug asked me to write some tuts, it helped give me a nudge toward preparing my prospective class materials. My concern now is a lesson plan. I think the class would be about 6 weeks, maybe 2 hours a week..

I know that my first order of business will be scanning, levels, curves, cloning and painting.

I'll also plan to cover cropping, resizing & resampling.

Anyone care to help me brainstorm and give suggestions about what things would be the most important to teach someone in a basic photo restoration class?

[Vikki]

I've been toying with this idea as well. A local university here, is looking for individuals to teach some unique classes.
Some of my thoughts/blocks:
Will there be hardware & software in the school.
I will have to teach with Photoshop, but which version?

BTW, there are several websites, that have outlines for restoration classes already established. You could look at those for some ideas. (Although, you have to be registered to view the actual lessons) Actually, there are a couple that have links to my site, maybe I could send off an email and ask for some teaching tips?

I'll be watching this thread, for sure.

[Jakaleena]

Originally posted by Vikki
Some of my thoughts/blocks:
Will there be hardware & software in the school.
I will have to teach with Photoshop, but which version?

Since the school I'm looking at already teaches computer classes, I believe that hardware wouldn't probably be a problem. I think most schools these days have a computer lab of some sort available. I may contact them sort of anonymously and inquire about computer facilities, classes and software...

As for Photoshop, they may not already have it, but an older academic version would be pretty do-able as far as I can see. I personally use an older version (PS 5.5) and think that anyone can learn to do a good, basic restoration without the newer bells and whistles. They might need to get some scanners, but I saw some decent little starter flatbeds recently at Staples for about $20 after rebates.

All I have to do now is become my own salesman and sell this idea to them... I figure in order to do that I need to show them what the class would involve when I first approach them.

[Vikki]

I totally agree about the bells and whistles. In truth, they sometimes add to the confusion.

I personally use an older version (PS 5.5) and think that anyone can learn to do a good, basic restoration without the newer bells and whistles.

BTW, all the work done on my site was done using version 4.0, and I'll probably revert back to it for the clone tool (it's different in that version).

So, as you said, I think if the basic theory and techniques can be taught, it will tranfer to other software.

[Jakaleena]

Wow Vikki - I just connected that is your site. I actually have run across that site before in my wanderings and thought it was really nice. I really like the simple, elegant, tasteful look.

And your work is beautiful.

I haven't really seen the need to upgrade to a newer version yet. I think that as far as learning goes, all of those extras just add confusion. I've heard a lot of hoo-ha about the healing brush, but in my mind cloning and painting works just fine. IMHO, I'd rather spend my $$ on a tablet than an upgrade. Now THAT'S $$ I'd consider well spent. Most of the labs I've worked at had older PS versions and none of them were really in a hurry to upgrade either.

[G. Couch]

I have thought about doing similar things...maybe starting a small group or volunteering to teach a class or two. I would probably teach it as a general "computer art" class with photo restoration being part of it. Keep posting on here to let us know how it progresses!

[Jakaleena]

Originally posted by G. Couch
I would probably teach it as a general "computer art" class with photo restoration being part of it.

But you are an actual and true "artist" (I took a peek at your website a couple of weeks ago, btw. Incredible stuff, Greg.)

I, on the other hand, am just a photo jockey. And that is really the only thing I'm comfortable teaching at the moment.

You really should pursue that idea though. I think it's a really neat one. If I ever learned to actually make some kind of PS art from scratch instead of starting out with a photo, I'd sure consider it!

[G. Couch]

Originally posted by Jakaleena



But you are an actual and true "artist" (I took a peek at your website a couple of weeks ago, btw. Incredible stuff, Greg.)

Thanks! My website is in a bit of limbo at the moment.

Actually, the more I think about it, just teaching it as photo restoration would probably make more sense. It's a more focused topic and would make preparation and teaching much easier. My only problem is that I have not really learned enough yet about the history of photographic processes, which would be something I would really want to focus on in a class.

-Greg

[Jakaleena]

Originally posted by G. Couch
My only problem is that I have not really learned enough yet about the history of photographic processes, which would be something I would really want to focus on in a class.

I don't think that would really be a hindrance for you. I've never taken a photo class, art history class, Photoshop class or any other kind of class that has anything to do with this profession that I've worked in for the last 20 years!

I've learned everything I know from other photographers, other retouchers, books and the internet... More than 90% of it has been learned on the fly - meaning some boss came up to me and said, "here, learn this and the project is due TOMORROW MORNING!"

It's nice to know the history of the photograph someone has plopped down on your desk and said, "fix it" but it isn't really necessary in order to perform digital repairs. Now, if what I was doing was photo conservation, that would be a different story. The only thing in that area that might be a consideration for me would be to offer a section to teach the students how to archivally store their old photographs so that the need to repair them in the future is lessened...

[Blacknight]

Average class size maybe what, 15-20 people? More than 10? With a class of any size at all it is difficult to crowd around one scanner or one computer that you are working on.

Ask if the computer labs are available for this, and if so if they are networked. If they are networked, then you could sit at the network monitor position and all would see what you were doing on their computers. The drawback is the hands-on for the students.

Do you have video recording capabilities? A videotape is really the best (both for you and for them) because you can stop it and answer questions and then continue on. Videotapes can also be played over a networked system of computers.

A few thoughts...

[Vikki]

Greg - I think Jak is right about skipping the photo history/process part. Only my opinion, but I don't think it would interest people who were only interested in learning how to restore with their computer. Nor do I think it's necessary either, and would probably be too long of a course anyway.
I've met loads of people that want to just play around with photos, and would take a simple class, but are not really interested in the whole package.

As I right this, I'm wondering how much interest there is for specifically photo restoration, vs general photo manipulation.

[Doug Nelson]

Just a suggestion, but perhaps you could collaborate on a syllabus?

[Hydia]

Jak, I have taken a 1 week class for photoshop and illustrator. The instructors started day one off with the tools pallette and you would be surprised how many people said they knew and understood the tools didn't.

They also worked directly from the photoshop tutorial book which I found to be a big help. I feel you should have a book in mind to help the students>ex Katrin for an example as a starter.

Also, the photoshop instructor wrote many notes while the illustrator wrote none. I can look back at my notes for photoshop to this day which is helpful but I can't remember a thing from the illustrator class.

This is my take on your question and I hope this might help you out.

[G. Couch]

Originally posted by Vikki
Greg - I think Jak is right about skipping the photo history/process part. Only my opinion, but I don't think it would interest people who were only interested in learning how to restore with their computer. Nor do I think it's necessary either, and would probably be too long of a course anyway.
I've met loads of people that want to just play around with photos, and would take a simple class, but are not really interested in the whole package.

You and Jak are probably right. I guess I was thinking that if the people in the class had an interest in genealogy, history etc... they would want to know a bit about the process. I have a couple of friends who've brought me old photos, including several Tintypes, and they were very interested in learning about the history behind the process. Plus, doing the research helped me learn a lot! In the case of two of the Tintypes, learning about the process and clothing in the pictures (I got lots of good answers here!), helped to date the photos and ultimately helped my friend get an idea of which relative the photo was of!

I think Vicki brings up a good point about the interest in a Restoration class compared to a photo manipulation class. I guess there is no real way to find out until you actually start getting people enrolled.

Blacknight- One possible solution would be the use of a projector system to project an image of the instructor's computer screen. It's not something every school has, but it might be worth asking about. I definitely agree about having all of the computers networked. This would allow for a common server to save files to...each student could have their own folder on the server.

Another thing to consider is the type of computer that will be used. Many schools and institutions use only Macs, so it would be good to find out beforehand if you are going to need to brush up on the Mac OS...or vice versa.

[winwintoo]

I took a class last fall that was sold as a "PhotoShop" class. The instructor was very knowlegable about PS and I managed to learn a great deal from him.

He used a combination of demonstration (using and overhead projector) and hands-on work.

He covered the tools and demonstrated some of the really WOW things that you can do with PhotoShop - I was amazed and it was from him that I got the idea of learning more and starting my own business.

Based on my experience with that class, I suggest that almost as important as your lesson plan will be your contengency planning.

Out of a class of 12, 3 had never used a computer, 7 had never used a Mac, 11 had never seen or even heard of PhotoShop, 4 wanted to learn PSP, 6 had been told that they could retouch their photos using MSWord. When asked about their level of computer experience, all put up their hand for "very experienced" yet only one person besides me knew how to save a file so they could later find it again!!

Not to discourage you - even though the class ended up being a bit disjointed, I came away with enough knowledge to get me started and everyone in the class learned something.

Based on what you've shown us in your tutorials, your students will be enthralled with your instruction and you will have some budding PS experts among your graduates.

Best of luck,
Margaret

[Jakaleena]

Those are really good points, Greg. I personally am very interested in the history of photographs. I have been reading a lot lately on tintypes and old methods of printing. I only recently discovered that an Albumen Gel Print is nothing more than a fancy name for what I have always just called a fiber print, only with "upscale" labeling to add commercial value.

The thing about approaching the school about this class is that it will be very fast and very basic. I'm not too concerned about what equipment they have, how much of it, OS, etc. as long as I can load Photoshop into it and there's a scanner. Even if there's no scanner, I can always provide an image to begin on, take the student photos home to scan, and bring a CD of them all with me to the next session. I've always been able to rig something workable together with a coat hanger, duct tape and spit.

The thing I'm most concerned about is that they can do a reasonable job on a personal photo that they want restored in just around 12 hours of instruction. I'd love to add in history, theory, and all of the things I personally love about this work, but I doubt there'll be time for that.

If they can leave knowing how to clone, paint, select & copy, move things around, blend edges and all of those other really basic things I will have accomplished my goal.

What I'm really trying to find out is what exactly are the most basic techniques we use to actually repair/restore a photo. It's been so long since I learned that I am having trouble remembering just when I met that line of finally knowing enough to make something look way better...

I'm looking to make a list I can work from, and am just trying to avoid leaving out anything important.

I really like Doug's idea about collaborating on a syllabus. Perhaps since there are a few of us considering this same option, we could put our heads together and come up with something all of us would agree to be a great plan for teaching photo restoration.

Something like:

A. Basic Skills

1. Day one - 2 hours
skill #1
skill #2
skill #3

by the end of this session, student should be able to _____


2. Day two- 2 hours
skill #1
skill #2
skill #3

by the end of this session, student should be able to _____


3. Day three- 2 hours
skill #1
skill #2
skill #3

by the end of this session, student should be able to _____


B. Intermediate Skills

1. Day one - 2 hours
skill #1
skill #2
skill #3

by the end of this session, student should be able to _____


2. Day two- 2 hours
skill #1
skill #2
skill #3

by the end of this session, student should be able to _____


3. Day three- 2 hours
skill #1
skill #2
skill #3

by the end of this session, student should be able to _____

[winwintoo]

Don't forget to include demonstrations of what PS is capable of and some of the shortcuts.

Eg. how to make a vignette - people struggle with this simple yet effective action.

Most people find a way to get things done and never take the time to find an easier way - a demonstration of some of the shortcuts that were talked about on another forum here would be valuable.


Margaret

[Ed_L]

This is an excellent thread. If you are going to teach restoration, my personal feeling is that it would be good to at least touch on a little part of the historical processes, especially how old photos should be handled. At the very least, if you opt not to teach any of this, you should make available a list of reading materials that you could recommend. The way society is today, if someone ruined an old photo because they handled it improperly, and they went through your class, it's not beyond the realm of possibilities that you could be sued if you don't at least mention that some photos need special handling, and provide avenues for the student to follow up on regarding this concern. Even if you win in court, you still lose.

As far as your abilities towards teaching, I don't think you have a problem there. If you make up a "business plan" for your course, you should make out okay. I also think that putting heads together to form a plan would be an excellent idea.

Best of luck in your endeavor to all who are considering this.

Ed

[Jakaleena]

Originally posted by winwintoo
how to make a vignette - people struggle with this simple yet effective action.

Hey! "Easy Vignetting" - sounds like it's time to write another Tutorial!!!!

[winwintoo]

Your turorials are so clear and easy to follow - I learn a lot from them!!

I just had another thought - and I'm sure you've already thought of it - but here goes.

You mentioned that you'd like the class to be able to work on their own picture - which would be nice, but if everyone is working on a different picture, you might find yourself having to teach skills out of order and it could lead to pandemonium in the classroom.

I would suggest providing a file to work on for each skill so that everyone is working on the same thing and the file they're working would require the skill you're teaching at the time. Sort of like Katrin's book where she provides the files she used so you can follow along and be sure that you're doing the right thing.

Just a thought,
Margaret

[Jakaleena]

Your turorials are so clear and easy to follow - I learn a lot from them!!...

I would suggest providing a file to work on for each skill so that everyone is working on the same thing

I'm so glad you like the tutorials. I have a lot of fun writing them!

I actually thought of the "everyone working on the same project" idea. And I would probably do that for the teaching part of the class. But I'm hoping that there would also be LAB time for people to practice on something of their choosing.

I think that makes it more fun for them. Any image I would provide would mean little to them, but there is always excitement in seeing a cherished family heirloom transform before your very eyes, and the satisfaction of knowing you are the one who transformed it.

If you are going to teach restoration, my personal feeling is that it would be good to at least touch on a little part of the historical processes, especially how old photos should be handled.

I definately agree on teaching how photos should be handled, cared for and stored. I just never considered that part of teaching history, per se. To me, teaching history would mean going over how the various photographic methods were arrived at, the progression through all of the different methods, glass plates, tintypes, Daguerrotypes (sp?), etc. It was those particular things that I felt would probably take up too much valuable time in a very short termed adult "fun" class. Providing written materials to reference those issues is an excellent suggestion!

[BigAl]

I don't want to throw a spanner in the works, but would appreciate your comments.

I was approached a couple of years back to do exactly what Jak wants to do. I turned it down because I felt (very selfishly) that the market down here was small enough and I didn't want to create [more] competition. Secondly, like Jak (and I suppose many others), I'm largely self taught, and I feel if someone wants to learn something badly enough, they should find out about it for themselves. Doug's challenges are an excellent way to learn.

(BTW Jak, without lab time I don't think you'd be able to achieve too much.)

[CJ Swartz]

I actually thought of the "everyone working on the same project" idea. And I would probably do that for the teaching part of the class. But I'm hoping that there would also be LAB time for people to practice on something of their choosing.

Their photo could be their special project which would be shared at the last session of the class with a summary of what techniques they used to accomplish their results.

As for the actual lesson plans -- it depends somewhat, I believe, on whether the students have met a prerequisite of prior PShop classes at the school (or can show a level of knowledge to you). If you try to deal with a range of students -- some who trip over a mouse and others who create art in PShop but have never tried restoration - it could be a waste of some students' time, and exasperating to you.

If they already know basic PShop skills, then lessons showing how the tools, selections, layers, layer adjustments, filters, blending modes and some shortcuts can be used to specifically address common photo retouch/restoration problems could be included.

Lesson One -- Black/White Image -- Improve Contrast, eliminate spots from scanning and improper storage

Selections (Quick Mask, Lasso, perhaps Magic Wand)
Layer Adjustments -- Levels, Curves
Filters - Blur/Gaussian Blur, Noise/Dust & Scratches
use of lasso & Dust & Scratches or Gauss. blur, then show use of History Brush

Lesson Two - color image -- Color correction

[Jakaleena]

Hey Al, thanks for the response! The things you mentioned really did cross my mind a few times...

I turned it down because I felt (very selfishly) that the market down here was small enough and I didn't want to create [more] competition.

The market here is small too. I'm having a pretty bumpy time gathering up clients. That's partly why I thought of this.

First, it will get some word of mouth going. Most of the people I suppose will be interested in learning to restore photos have other acquaintences and relatives that are interested in the same thing - old photos, genealogy, historical societies, etc. They'll talk. And perhaps it will generate more students or more clients. And, the people I'll be teaching probably won't have the skills mastered to do a really good job for a while, so it's not like they'll be doing anyone else's restorations. A lot of them won't be artistically inclined enough to ever really master the necessary skills. Many just won't have the patience for it. I'm guessing that at the very least, my name will be mentioned in a few conversations, hopefully in a kindly enough manner to get some sort of referrals from it. And not only for restoration work, but also for photography needs. Plus, there are people who would be unwilling to pay to have the restoration done for them, but who would pay to be taught to do it themselves. I used to work for a man who's business philosophy regarding his competition was, "if you can't GET their clients from them, then figure out a way to get them to BE YOUR clients." I'm also figuring that some will come into it thinking it's going to be fairly easy, and when it's not as easy as they thought, they'll just pay me to do it for them. If I'm any good at all, a little competition won't hurt me - it may even give me a shove into becoming better. And, I don't think most of them will look at it as a prospective profession. For me, the possibilities of a good outcome really outweigh the possibilities of a bad one.

Secondly, like Jak (and I suppose many others), I'm largely self taught, and I feel if someone wants to learn something badly enough, they should find out about it for themselves. Doug's challenges are an excellent way to learn.

I hated that I had to scrounge around for basic knowledge on PS. I did have some instruction at my job, but our uses for PS were limited, and my instruction was limited to those uses. Sometimes I just wish there was someone to sit down here with me and SHOW me how to do something. Sometimes, I know someting that I am just dying to SHOW the person I'm trying to teach it to - like brush stroke techniques. I can describe it on here till my fingers are raw from typing, but it's just not the same as actually seeing what I'm doing. I love teaching people things. I've been responsible for training people at places I've been employed. I was an English tutor for ESL students in college. I considered a teaching profession after college, but ended up going back into photography instead. I love seeing someone get excited when they do something really cool for the first time. I love seeing that "light bulb" click on when something a person has been struggling to understand finally "clicks" for them. I love it when it's what I said, what I did, and how I presented it that turns those light bulbs on. Mostly, I just want to do it because I just like doing it.

[G. Couch]

Originally posted by CJ Swartz

If you try to deal with a range of students -- some who trip over a mouse and others who create art in PShop but have never tried restoration - it could be a waste of some students' time, and exasperating to you.

Originally posted by winwintoo

Out of a class of 12, 3 had never used a computer, 7 had never used a Mac, 11 had never seen or even heard of PhotoShop, 4 wanted to learn PSP, 6 had been told that they could retouch their photos using MSWord. When asked about their level of computer experience, all put up their hand for "very experienced" yet only one person besides me knew how to save a file so they could later find it again!!

By the sound of it, this appears to be the number one obstacle to teaching an effective class. If you have to spend an entire class explaining what a layer is, it's not going to make for a rewarding experience for anyone!

You might find yourselves having to teach two classes...one as an Intro to digital imaging followed later by a class on Restoration.

[Doug Nelson]

I've also been considering offering classes. In fact, I'm thinking that classes might pay for an office or some storefront space for my restoration business.

I have taught classes before, and differing levels of expertise is a pain. My own solution I'm considering is to start with a basic course on computing, then a basic course on Photoshop, with my previous course as a pre-requisite, then basic restoration, with previous two courses as pre-requisites.

Each "semester" I'd offer all the courses previously offered, plus a new course. So, in this case, after 3 semesters I'd be offering 3 courses.

[Vikki]

JAK-(picking up on an older post...) thanks for the thumbs up on my site.
Even though I have version 7, and I like some of the features, I don't think it's a requirement for restoration. I do agree that a tablet is a must. I just can't imagine working without one!
Would you be teaching the class sans tablet?

[Jakaleena]

Originally posted by Vikki
I do agree that a tablet is a must. I just can't imagine working without one!
Would you be teaching the class sans tablet?

I probably would teach it with a mouse. I don't use a tablet, and I doubt that hobbyists who just want to do some family photos are going to be running out to get a Wacom. This facility is not a college or anything, it's just a basic adult learning facility. Although they do offer some serious classes, the majority of their offerings lean more toward hobby types of things.

I think that teaching them to get along with the absolute basics would be a good place to start. That way they can actually do the work on the setup they probably already have at home without believing that they have to run out and get a bunch of fancy new equipment.

[Vikki]

Jak-my thinking as well

[Jakaleena]

Originally posted by Doug Nelson
with my previous course as a pre-requisite

I like that idea, Doug. I had also considered a similar thing. Since the facility I'm hoping to approach offers some basic computing classes, it would seem easy enough to do. But, I also know that it's very possible, especially these days, for people to have good basic computing skills without ever having taken a computer class.

What I had actually considered was to also offer an alternative - to be able to "test in" to the class. Just offer a basic test to determine if the person had enough basic skills to get along without holding up the pace.

Something very simple like:

Get the file at path C:\Jackie\Pictures\RP Tuts\New Brush Tut\Screen Shot 01.jpg. Rename it Class Prerequisite. Transfer it to a new folder on the desktop named <Your Name>

I figure if the person can do that, they know enough to be able to just concentrate on learning restoration.

Then if I ever offered any kind of advanced class, they would be required to take the first one.

Also, in college, I was allowed to test in to some classes that I already was knowledgable about. There was a disclaimer for doing that which stated that I was responsible for having the appropriate skill levels, and that the class progression would not be paced slower to accomodate my lack of them.
Perhaps I could have a list of necessary prerequisite skills and a similar disclaimer...?