New member - critique requested

[LazDodge]

Hello all:
Many thanks to you all for the wisdom and techniques you offer. Glad I discovered this forum!

Having used PS for about two years as a photographer, I've made some attempts at photo restoration and repair. Started off with simple pics but took on a more damaged one this week.

I've attached two images - one is for the original scan and the other a repaired version that has been converted to b/w. The original was a photo from 1931 found in a second hand shop. Had yellowed with parts of the image missing.

Let me know what you think - any and all suggestions would be welcome. I'm most interested in continuing to learn.

- Jeff

elite-force-original_SFW_forum.jpg

elite-force-cleaned_SFW_forum.jpg

[plugsnpixels]

Huge improvement and well done! I like the fact that you converted it to greyscale (the photo was not originally brown) and adjusted the perspective distortion, as well as the obvious crack and spot removal.

Too bad the person in the photo is unidentified due to the source of the print.

[LazDodge]

Many thanks for the encouragement! This was certainly labor of love - felt like I was a woodworker, ironworker, and mason at the same time. Even a bit of a sketch artist! Made use of the clone stamp, healing brush and patch tools, and the content aware move tool. First time I've actually gone that deep into image.

Wish I knew more background about the subject as well. Always kept asking myself, "who are you", whenever I brought out a detail. The photo was dated 1931 with the handwritten name of the woman in the photo on the back as well as "The Evzone" above her name. Turns out that was the name of an elite infantry and mountain units of the Greek army. They still exist today but are more ceremonial and stand guard at the Greek Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Palace.

Thanks again for your support!

- Jeff

[plugsnpixels]

That's good about the name on the back! I bet you could track down relatives doing genealogical-type research.

Start at FamilySearch (free).

[Angelize]

Hi I'm new to this site but I like to do restorations. I think you did an awesome job of removing the scratches and creases. However I like the warmer tones in the original image. I think old photos have a certain ambience and I like to try and preserve that.

[LazDodge]

I don't disagree. The original photo I believe was black and white so that's where I went. Adding a bit of tone does add to the vintage look though. Considering the photo is over 80 years old, it would add to the overall effect.
Thanks for your thoughts on this!

[thedonjon]

Nice work! One thing I would try is to make a background copy, use Multiply blending mode and mask off the door and woman so that the bright cement tones down and shows more detail.

[skoobey]

Very well done.

[LazDodge]

Hi donjon:

Excellent suggestion! Took your advice and went into the image, created a duplicate layer, set blend mode to multiply, and then masked out all except for the cement walls and steps. Also added a curves layer and opened up the image a bit. Hopefully I didn't overdo it. Image is attached. Thank you!

Skoobey - many thanks for your encouragement as well!

- Jeff