Varying levels of "fadedness"

[cedwar]

Im trying to work on a picture for my aunt and usually I have a good idea of the steps I want to take in fixing a picture as well as what a reasonable result should be. But in a case like this - where there is no uniform fading, Im wondering if I can get some opinions on how to attack this picture and what your opinion is on how good I can expect to get this. I have tried levels, contrast and brightness adjustment layers with some masking, etc... Im hoping someone might have some tricks up their sleeve on a different way to even out the fading and get some detail back in the coats, etc. I can easily handle the pen writing on the face.

Thanks for any input

[Flora]

I simply used Levels and Curves Adjustment layers on selections of the different fading. (Attachment 1)

The only other thing I did to your image is cropping but that is my taste...

Originally Posted by cedwar

I can easily handle the pen writing on the face.

...I don't think those on the mother face are 'pen scribblings' ... Zooming in, beside the lines, I saw what could be taken for photo paper texture on the mother's face only ... I think that it is a lacy veil/net you could pull down from the rim of your hat .... very fashionable in the 1920s through 1950s (I think) .... but still not completely 'dead' nowadays. (Attachment 2)

[cedwar]

Flora,

If I could get my picture to this point, Id be happy to have it as a starting point to continue the restoration. I just cant seem to find the proper technique to keep it looking the way you have it. When I try using curves, it makes the b&w look very yellow. I thought I remember (maybe in a previous version of PS, Im using cs3) that there was a monochromatic box to check when using a curves adj layer.

Id like to get my version to the same tones as yours, can you expand on what you did? Did you convert it to greyscale or do you keep it in RGB?

Thanks

Cedwar

[Flora]

Hi Cedwar,

sorry for my delay in answering but I got back to Italy just a few days ago and had a lo to do ...

Surely, you have already fixed your photo ... but here is the snapshot of my workflow.

Please, let me know if you'd rather have the .PSD file (34.4 MB)

[cedwar]

Flora,

I think what you've done is great... while I have some strengths in other areas of photoshop, using the levels or curves adj layer is not one of them.

I would appreciate it if you could send me the file... Id like to try to duplicate it but in case I can't Id like to continue my restoration with your file.

Because of its size, do you want to send it directly to me via email? If so, its hpr@twcny.rr.com

Otherwise, let me know...

Thanks,
Cedwar