How to remove the blue spots

[Skydawg]

Hey all,
I can handle the scratches, cracks and other regular problems. I am having trouble figuring out how to remove the blue blemishes throughout the image. This was carried in the persons wallet for years, so not sure what it is. Any suggestions would be appreciated. This is my first post here, so if the image is not sized correctly for you let me know what I need to do.

Thanks,
John

[mistermonday]

John, welcome to RetouchPro! The image has a rather strong Color Noise component. The 1st thing I would do is apply a noise filter (sample attached using Noiseware). That will smooth the noise everywhere and at the same time will reduce the strength of the blue in those spots. I would then sugest using frequency separation and the healing brush on the High Frequency layer to heal away those spots / cracks.
Good luck with the restoration,
Regards, Murray

[Skydawg]

mistermonday,
Haven't been able to get that to help me. Split the frequencies, but blue is still present everywhere.

[mistermonday]

John, you need to select the proper Radius to isolate those spots on the HF layer and use the healing brush or the clone stamp to remove them.
Regards, Murray

[Daviskw]

Granted I'm an idiot but why could you just not use layer modes to achieve the same result...In fact I did a comparison and found no difference.

I mean make one layer set to the color mode and the other luminosity?

Butch

[Skydawg]

mistermonday,
The only 2 tools that seem to work on the high layer is the clone and the spot healing brush. The healing brush gives me dark saturated color where I make a stroke. I have used the action by lenenga to create the frequency split. The results get me part of the way there though. The clone and spot healing strokes seem to soften where I use them.

John

[mistermonday]

John, with those tools, check the option bar across the top of your display and make sure it is set to Current Layer only.
Regards, Murray

[Skydawg]

mistermonday,
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I believe I'm on the right path now.

John

[chillin]

You could also use frequency separation on the blue spots.

[Skydawg]

chillin,
I'm using that now. However I find it pretty time intensive. What is your workflow using it?

John