Looking for Advice - Photo with cracks

[ADKgirl]

Hello! I am retouching old family photos and several of my grandfather during WWII have developed these fine little cracks that cover entire surface. I attached a cropped sample to explain my problem. Does anyone have suggestions on how best to tackle this? (Aside from going in with various forms of clone tools) I have no problem putting the time and elbow grease in, but I want to put that to use in the most effective way.

Thank you!

[0lBaldy]

Re: Looking for Advice - Photo with cracks

ADKgirl, Welcome to RetouchPRO
Hope you enjoy your stay here and make lots of friends.
Poke around, have fun!

A new scan might help hide the scratches better... Hope this helps some...
scanning with cracks has been discussed here...

Using the sample you posted I used Polaroid (free) dust and scratch filter Both Dark and Light modes to get the results below

(to use... copy original twice, run the filter (dark) on the top layer, apply a hide all mask and paint white on the mask over the things not wanted... Copy all onto a new layer (Shft+ctrl+alt+E)
copy that layer (Ctrl + J) Run the filter (Light Dust box CHECKED) on the top layer, apply a hide all mask and paint white on the mask over the things not wanted... Copy all onto a new layer (Shft+ctrl+alt+E) ... I also made a Multiply Layer and used a gradient mask to darken the person on the right

After clicking on the GIF... give it a few seconds to change

[ADKgirl]

Re: Looking for Advice - Photo with cracks

Thank you for pointing me to that thread! I gave it a go and despite scanning in multiple directions and using the filters it doesnt make any difference. The cracks lighten a smidge, if that. Oh well, I guess it was worth trying. It might help some others down the road.

And sorry for the late reply back. My workload has been through the roof.