Cherished photo....suggestions?

[Kimbrly86]

I have offered to help a friend enlarge and "retouch" a cherished photo of her father. I believe it was taken in Vietnam and the original size is very small. She would like to have a 5x7 of the finished edited photo. I think it's much improved but am not sure if I can improve it any further. Any suggestions?

[shift studio]

why didn't anyone answer this person?
I hardly ever make it into the restoration section because I don't do them.

Anyways, many of the experienced restorers here could improve this further.
some simple levels and removal of specs (with the clone or healing tools) would be a good place to start.

Any other takers?
--Shift Studio.

[Tony W]

Originally Posted by shift studio

why didn't anyone answer this person?
I hardly ever make it into the restoration section because I don't do them....
--Shift Studio.

First time I have seen this one - sorry to have missed it first round Kimbrly86. Anyway shift studio shamed me into giving it a try.

I thought your version very good and probably very close to the original - just needs a little spotting.

Just had a very quick play and while I have gone OTT (wanted to make it quite different) it may give you some ideas that you want to incorporate in your version.

1. Dup layer set to Multiply
2. Curves adjustment overall contrast
3. Channels mixer convert to B&W
4. Basic spotting - could do with a little more
5. Curves layer masked to include only main subject - increased contrast locally for face.
6. Optional - I did not like the sky therefore applied surface blur to a new layer masked for sky only
7. A little D&B work on the image to darken and lighten where I felt needed.

Overall perhaps a little too dark?

[Kimbrly86]

Thanks for the response:-) Was so surprised to see one.lol
I used a noise filter and worked a little more with the clone tool. I ended up with a satisfactory photo that I have printed and shared with my friend. Ultimately I think it could have been better but it was an improvement on the original and now she can print it at a larger size and share with family members.

[Tony W]

Nice job - noise filter helped quite a lot. While you could play more I think you have to know when to stop. Well done.