Salvaging detail

[Wombo55]

I am trying to restore some photos from scans of badly scratched and rapidly deteriorating negatives from 1920s-1930s.

The negatives were scanned for me by brother at 1200dpi and with many of them there appears to be very little detail. I've been trying to follow some of the advice that has been to given to others, as well a Flora's tutorial, but I haven't had much success so far.

I get very confused when trying to work with the channels (maybe one day I will have a lightbulb moment and I will finally understand.)

Should I persevere with this photo or give up? Is it possible to salvage any more detail, particularly for the torso? I have mainly been playing with curves layers, but I did also attempt a luminosity mask and a Topaz adjustment.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

[Cupcake]

Re: Salvaging detail

Not much you can do except work with what is there.
Here is an idea.

[Wombo55]

Re: Salvaging detail

Thanks Cupcake. I had been thinking that I might try some sort of vignette if it was not going to be possible to improve the photo much more than I already have. Your idea is interesting.

Thanks
Anne