A little help with a faded photo...

[wakebordr]

Hi everyone,

I have a photo of some kids that I would some help retouching. I have tried it, but mine just isn't that good. I don't know what it is missing. I used levels some other stuff and included the files here:

PSD file:
will be posted within the next day.

JPG:
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c3...yyoungcopy.jpg

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Alex

[0lBaldy]

Alex, Is this a link to the Original or what you have worked on?

If you post a less than 100K picture here we could click a thumbnail preview and wouldn't have to go off site to evaluate your picture.

Just the addition of catchlights in the eyes may help some.
or change the back ground
~~Original~~ catchlights~~ change BG ~

[AFrazier]

Try this. I corrected the color, warmed it, and sharpened it. If you don't like the color (which is just a matter of preference), use a cooling filter to add some blues.

[AFrazier]

Originally Posted by 0lBaldy

Alex, Is this a link to the Original or what you have worked on?

If you post a less than 100K picture here we could click a thumbnail preview and wouldn't have to go off site to evaluate your picture.

Just the addition of catchlights in the eyes may help some.

~~Original~~ catchlights~

Oh, heck, good catch. I didn't even notice they were missing (though I had thought about using a lense flare on the picture).

[wakebordr]

Ok, i have converted the file to a smaller format and here it is. This includes the before and after.

Also, i posted the PSD file that i have edited using CS3:
http://www.mediafire.com/?ngd1ma3yjtm

[0lBaldy]

wakebordr,
The save for web option in CS3 will save your PSD at below 100K without reducing the physical size much and with pretty good quality..
Click save for web (alt+shft+ctrl+S)
on the right side of the pop up just above the "Optimize" box (that should be checked) there is a circle with a blue arrow in it.. Click on the arrow
In the box that pops up.. click optimize to file size..
In the next box that pops up type the number 98 into the desired file size box.. press OK
If you have 2 up showing the number below the second option should change to something under 100.. if it does.. click save and give it a unique name in a place you can find to upload later. (You will see a large difference in your present post and your posts using this method)

As far as your picture goes, I think it looks pretty good.. but, the previous comments still apply.. when you got rid of the catch lights the eyes lost their sparkle and the children took on a zombie look.. The edges of those black iris centers need softening by a small blur brush on the perimeters to blend in with the rest of the pupil and the catch lights added back in..

Hope this helps

[wakebordr]

Ok, here is my final one with a light reflection on the eyes.

[0lBaldy]

Alex,
I think it looks fine.. BUT, You are the final Judge..
Are you happy with it? OR, do you still think something is missing?

[wakebordr]

I thought that it was done. What else would you do. I think that it looks pretty good for my skills. I am just a beginner so i don't know that much stuff.

Thanks everyone for the tips and advice.

alex