Hi-res artifacts

[LazDodge]

Hello all:

Thanks for the great guidance you provide here. I need a bit of your advice when it comes to scanning vintage images.

The original print I'm scanning was printed on a canvas type paper. When I scanned the photo at 1200 ppi, I noticed it had picked up a honeycomb pattern (enlarged image section below). It's most likely picking up the surface texture of the print.

I can scan at a lower res (ie 600 ppi) and it's less apparent but I don't want to give up the detail.

Is there any way to overcome this pattern without losing detail in the image?

Thanks in advance for your help with this.

- Jeff

[Antony_A]

Re: Hi-res artifacts

Apply glycerin to the photo and scan

[bijutoha]

Re: Hi-res artifacts

Also, you could try with a black piece of felt behind the item being scanned.

[JoReam]

Re: Hi-res artifacts

You can try reducing this pattern by using various noise reduction techniques. If you have Photoshop there are noise reduction options under Camera Raw (not sure what options there are under GIMP or Elements). If you can access the Nik collection there is a noise reduction plugin under that or alternatively there are other noise redution products around like Neat Image. This sort of pattern was quite common on 70s and some 80s photos. With any image there is always a balance betweent retaining the details in the image and removing the unwanted texture so you have to play around wiht the software to get the best results for your particular image. You could also try the Fourier Transform as well, although I have not tried that on this sort of texture - perhaps someone else might have . (Note I have the Nik collection on the cloud version of Photoshop and it still works at present).

[Tony W]

Re: Hi-res artifacts

I doubt that you would loose detail scanning reflective media at 600 spi over 1200. With 1200 you are increasing pixel count and file size but may find that resolution not actually increased.

You may want to try making two scans and combining in PS. Make first as normal, then rotate image 180 degrees and then open the two as layers in PS. Rotate the second in PS and align them precisely. Experiment with layer opacity of one or both to minimise pattern.

The idea is that the pattern is being enhanced due to the scan light direction and rotating the image the light direction on the image reversed. By manipulation of the two seperate layers opacities it should be possible to minimise the pattern if not completely cancel it.

[LazDodge]

Re: Hi-res artifacts

Hi Tony and all:

My apologies for delayed response - distraction is my greatest burden!

Tony - I had been told by several, and had also seen on the forum, the option to create two separate scans and combine as you mentioned. Will attempt.

JoReam - will look into noise reduction but I always end up with a photo that seems out of focus. You're right - there is a delicate balance. Will take some patience on my part.

bijutoha - that's an interesting way to approach. Haven't tried before but every day's a school day!

Antony - I assume that the glycerin will diffuse the light and cut down on the pattern?

Thanks all - once I get back to the photo and yield some decent results, I'll post the image.

- Jeff

[chillin]

The FFT filter could work.