Skin tone and color

[nebgranny]

This is a picture of my brother. He was a Vietnam Vet and was killed in a car accident 25 years ago. I have re-connected with his daughter after all these years. She was only 3 when he passed , she has just a few memories but they are sweet ones. She nor I have many pictures of him as they were lost in a move. I would like to fix this photo so I can print it into a nice 8x10 for her and my mother.

I wonder if they colored his face? I do not think it looks natural. I would like help with this project. I have the original and this is a scan of it. Any help will be sincerely appreciated. Please work on it and if you are able could you post how it was done? Thanks Neb

[NancyJ]

Looks more like staining than an attept at colouring Neb, had a quick fiddle in LAB mode to remove it but its late and dont have time to do a proper job. Sorry.

[nebgranny]

As I look at the picture I think you are right Nancy. Looks like something might have been spilled on it. I did not notice it before. Wonder if something can be done? Bet so!! Thanks Neb

[PatrickB]

Neb,

found a quick and dirty way to remove the stain:

- Convert to CMYK
- Go to channels and select the yellow channel (which is the one with the stain). Check the eye-symbol on CMYK channel.
- Now start alt-clicking (to pick up color) and painting on the green areas carefully to make the stain go away.

I played a little, see attached

After the color-thing you should do a luminosity correction as well.

[Cameraken]

Hi Neb.

An interesting picture.
It may be that this is not colour at all. I have a feeling that the green is also a stain (or has been added) And the picture is just sepia toned.

This is my attempt. But I’m not sure I got it right.

Let’s see what others do with this. If you want my method I’ll post it later. But it’s not an easy one.

Ken

[maureeno]

I'll give it a go, Nancy.

Maureen

[Kraellin]

no time to work on it tonight, but i can tell you for certain (having been in Nam also and having worn that same type uniform) that the uniform is a camoflage type of mostly various hues of green (there might be a touch of black and some yellowish and maybe some faint grays, but mostly greens). and his hat is also green, not camo, and somewhat dark. the picture is pretty close to correct on the hat, but probably shld be a shade or two lighter. the army's favorite color is 'drab olive green'.

craig

[maureeno]

Nancy, I had a quick go of it here. And, Craig, my uncle's uniforms from Nam were OD green--a ghastly colour if you ask me...

http://img98.imageshack.us/my.php?image=skip2abd1ae.jpg

[Klaatu Baradda]

Here's a shot at it.

[Kraellin]

maureen,

i recall the term 'OD green', but i forget what the OD stands for. but it does ring a bell. and come to think of it, i dont think there was black in that uniform. and i dont recall any yellows either. we were issued those things in Oakland, Calif, and i remember black boots and green, camo uniforms.

craig

[Gary Richardson]

OD = Olive Drab

[Syd]

I should be in bed already but I couldn't resisit having a quick shot at this one. It is a lovely photo and it is a pity it has been colored rather badly already. It is most noticeable on the tunic and neck areas. Also if you look closely at the hairline you will see parts that have been missed. And the coloring is too flat. Some of the color has gone over the bottom half of the right eye giving it a misty look. Having said that in the hands of a skilful colorer (and there are some really good ones in this forum) it could could come alive again. Perhaps you could post it as a challenge.
Syd

[NancyJ]

Hi Neb, had a quick go at it (well a couple of hours) but my restoration and colouring is a little rusty - and my masking is nowhere near as good as it used to be.
I dont usually post stuff I'm not happy with but since this pic is so special to you - here you go, maybe you can do something with it

[nebgranny]

I am so grateful for all the work going on to this picture. It is a VERY special one. They all look great!! Thanks to everyone for the time and work done. Sincerely Neb