Found Only Picture of Dad - Help!

[LTCSZ]

Hi: Recently, we found what I believe is the only existing picture of my father in WW2...It was taken in England in 1944, just about three weeks before he shipped out for the D-Day landings...He was killed in the initial landings...If there were any other pictures of him, they have been long lost...This one was found by an old aunt in a book several weeks ago...I have scanned it and tried to clean it up, but, as you can see, it is in need of lots more help! I am a complete novice at this sort of thing, so I need any advice anyone here could provide...It would mean the world to our family if I could restore this photo at least to the point where it could be printed in a modest size...I have used a really basic photo program to do what I have done, so please don't laugh too loudly! Any advice will be greatly appreciated...

Steve in Kansas

[Repairman]

Re: Found Only Picture of Dad - Help!

Getting the best scan possible is the first step as it can save a lot of unnecessary fixing. I would take it to reputable scanning company and get a couple of scans; one 'normal' and one 'lighter' that will reveal potential hidden details in the shadows. You can then merge the best bits from both. Think about working on a scan which is larger than the output print size you require so that you will not be magnifying and exposing your retouched areas on the final print. Not really my field of retouching but it looks like you have decent start point and I'm sure a great result is forthcoming. He cuts a fine figure!

[jeremy1986]

Re: Found Only Picture of Dad - Help!

I played around with it a little

[LTCSZ]

Re: Found Only Picture of Dad - Help!

I wouldn't say you played around with it, I'd say you fixed it! The consideration shown by several members of this forum have been heart-warming...It means a lot to us to have some decent images of Dad...I never knew him, as he shipped out for Europe three months before I was born, so this image means so much to me...Thank you for all of your work...

Steve

[patsym]

Re: Found Only Picture of Dad - Help!

Best I could do.


Regards Patsym

[CarolB]

Re: Found Only Picture of Dad - Help!

Hi Steve in Kansas!

Here is my try on your dad's picture.

[Britsdad]

Re: Found Only Picture of Dad - Help!

Steve,
Is this posted version one that you have been playing with?
If it is then it may help if you could upload the raw scanned untouched version.

Regards....John

[Britsdad]

Re: Found Only Picture of Dad - Help!

Just a quick fiddle with this....

Hope it helps.

John

[LTCSZ]

Re: Found Only Picture of Dad - Help!

John: Thanks for your reply and efforts...Here is the original scan of the photo...

Steve

[Janet Petty]

Re: Found Only Picture of Dad - Help!

You are very blessed in that the original picture is in very good shape. Kudos to those who spent the time restoring it. A nice job was done by all.

[Britsdad]

Re: Found Only Picture of Dad - Help!

Steve,
Not much difference between them, I thought there may be a little more information in the dark areas, but it seems not.
I don't think there's much more you could do with the original than was done with the first one.
You did a pretty good job with your "really basic photo program" originally.

John

Edit: thanks Janet :o)

[LTCSZ]

Re: Found Only Picture of Dad - Help!

Thanks to everyone for their help...It really means a lot to us...

Steve