Question about retouching an old wedding photo

[o0dano0o]

Hello all,

I'm new here and I'm trying to do some work on an old wedding photo.

So far I've straightened it, removed dust/scratches/stains, fixed the color balance, did some selective saturation on the flowers, and cleaned up the background. I was wondering what else could be done to fix it up.

I guess I'm just wondering what would be a general workflow for an image like this.

Here is the image in question:

Before

and

After

Thanks!

[0lBaldy]

I feel you have done a good job! Some minor things might be considered..

I thought the guest book was a bit bright.. If they didn't mind I would remove it because it is distracting.. Darkened the dress a bit and smoothed it out (removed noise)

A good starting work flow is shown here:
http://retouchpro.com/tutorials/?m=show&id=255

OL Baldys
Basic Photo fix work flow

Duplicate then un-select original layer
levels layer RBG channels LEVELS ADJUSTMENT
select all, copy merged, paste
Straighten if necessary
check layer channels for the best ratio
Channel Mixer (set to monochrome)
select all, copy merged, paste
dust and scratch filter.. Alt click (for black mask) paint with white then continue...
select all, copy merged, paste
Sharpen
select all, copy merged, paste set to luminosity
copy layer after levels merge move to front set to color(to put back color)
Heal or clone
Noise removal if needed
Curves/color corrections (like in this case darkened dress some)
select all, copy merged, paste
final pic

[o0dano0o]

Thanks alot for that info Ol Baldy. I'll try to work through those steps when I'm in front of photoshop again. I'll reply back with any questions.

Also, I do see what you mean about the guestbook - it's a bit distracting on the original..

Thanks!