Need help removing scotch tape

[Chris Payne]

This is my first post. So, if I make an error I hope it will be excused. I am attempting to retouch an old photo for a friend. I am stuck on a good method to remove the scotch tape which runs through the center of the picture. Can someone give me step by step instructions? I am new to retouching and am running Elements 3.
Thanks,
Chris Payne

[Britsdad]

Hiya Chris, welcome to RP,
Can you post the picture? then I am sure you'll get some good advice. Meanwhile take a look at this thread
http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/pho...rs-please.html
John

[Chris Payne]

Britsdad,
I tried to include the picture, but did something wrong. How do I add a picture to the post?
Chris

[Chris Payne]

I am going to try to follow the instructions provided by FLORA to get the photo attached.

[Swampy]

First adjust levels
Then I would make a selection of the tape area and run a brightness/contrast adjustment layer. You will still have some edges of the tape to deal with, but you have a lot of cloning to do anyway and this area would be pretty simple.

[Dave.Cox]

Swampy is right on. That is exactly how I would start.

[Chris Payne]

John & Swampy & Dave,
Thanks for getting me on the right track.
Chris

[Britsdad]

Chris,
I was at work last night so I couldn't show you anything
Here's how I would start. Add a levels adjustment to brighten up the highlights and darken the shadows then, select the worst part of the tape with lasso tool then a levels adjutment to lighten it up to the rest of the image, then select other parts and do the same until you get something that looks decent, don't try to get it all at once. Then its just a matter of cloning and patching till you get it right. I've had about 10 mins on it to get it to this stage....
Hope it helps............John

[rmetlgod]

Here is a fixed version that I worked on.

[rmetlgod]

Here is a final version that I fixed

[Chris Payne]

I want to thank everyone for their suggestions. I did not expect such a rapid response. Using your suggestions I spent yesterday afternoon retouching the picture. Thanks to your efforts here's what I came up with.
Thanks again,
Chris

[Britsdad]

Very nice Chris,
Maybe ligthen it up a little with levels and add a little sepia?
But all in all "very nice" good job.
John

[Swampy]

I agree with John, A little lightening, but overall you did a great job!