Stains and wrinkles and mildew...oh my!

[LensCap]

Here's an old photo that has it all. I am a bit stumped as to where to start.
The damage all seems to be mingled together.
I would appreciate some suggestions, both for repair technique and workflow on this one.

[philbach]

Well I usually look to adjust the tone and color first. Can the color be replaced? Take a look at all of the channels in RGB, CYMK, and Lab mode to see if the color can be restored.

I took a look and there did not seem to be enough color information to restore the color. So then settle for black and white. Use a Channel Mixer adjustment layer and probably use the red channel to correct since that one seems to have the least facial smudge.

Then in black and white start working on the smudge and other artifacts. If you want to place color back in you can colorize the black and white or add a sepia tone as the last step in your retouch.

[chillin]

Originally Posted by philbach

... If you want to place color back in you can colorize the black and white or add a sepia tone as the last step in your retouch.

I think, it is a B&W photo.

[LensCap]

Yes, it is originally a black and white photo. I scanned it in color, as suggested by some of you veterans. I should have mentioned this.

[Kraellin]

some color mixer, clarify, clone, push, a little lightness/darkness and a mild digital camera noise removal.