StanMac Loc: Tennessee

I inherited a box of old family photos which included a few images of my Mom and Dad in the years of 1943-1946 BC (Before Children). As happens with many old photos that get tossed into a box and stored in the attic, or carried in a wallet until they are brittle and crinkled, these images needed attention to make them look their best.

The first photo below is probably a souvenir wallet photo taken at a dime store photo booth. I say that because there is no other image like this in a larger size in the set of photos in the box, or displayed at any time in my memory on a side table or book shelf. It is a picture of my Mom, Eva, when she was about 17 or 18, I think. This is one of the first images that I tackled for restoration.

I found the most difficult part of restoring this image was the emulsion cracking, scuffing, and scratches on facial features. It was a tedious process to remove the scratches that went through fine detail, such as eyes and eye lashes. I finally decided to use some blurring to hide as much of the emulsion cracking as possible. I think the cracking is reduced to the point it is acceptable at normal viewing distances, like in a frame at 5x7. I am sure there are more sophisticated processes for eliminating the emulsion cracking through using layers, filters, masks, and blending modes, but I'm happy with this result. As I gain experience in using those other methods I will improve on this one.

The second photo below is the final result. Your comments, hints, and suggestions for resources in learning this aspect of post processing are appreciated.

Stan

Mom 18yo Color Scan

(Download)

Mom 18yo 5x7

(Download)

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Nice work, Stan.
--Bob

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

You did a nice job Stan. My only suggestion is to sharpen the eyes a bit.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

What a gorgeous smile and wonderful result!

You look like you have a great process already, but see if this topic has anything to offer:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-633591-1.html

.

StanMac Loc: Tennessee

Thank you all for your encouragement and suggestions. And thank you, Linda, for the reference to the other post on photo restoration/retouching. I looked for a UHH section on this aspect of photography but didn’t find one, which was a bit surprising to me as I would bet that a number of us UHHers dabble in this aspect of the craft and are probably called upon by friends and family to “fix” an old photograph.

Stan

kubota king Loc: NW , Pa.

I downloaded your finished copy and used topaz Sharpen Al to sharpened the whole photo . If you have that program you can use it to sharpen your photo to see how you like the results or use some tools in PS . I try the topaz sharpen first , if I don't like the results . I will try using the sharpen tool in PS on the areas I want sharpen . Just my way I use when restoring older photos . I'm sure others have there way too

Wanderer2 Loc: Colorado Rocky Mountains

Very nicely done. I'm sure your mother would be happy and proud of what you have done. I have quite a few very old family photos in similar conditions. What software did you use?

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Nice! I’m always impressed by this kind of restoration work.

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

Nice job Stan!

StanMac Loc: Tennessee

Thank you! I used Photoshop Elements (PSE) 2018. I’ve also used Corel’s Paint Shop Pro (PSP) 2018 version. PSP tools include a scratch remover tool that works quite nicely for linear defects, like those scratches in the background portion of the original photo above.

Stan

StanMac Loc: Tennessee

Thank you, John and Bill.

Kubota, although I used the blurring to reduce the appearance of the emulsion cracking, I rather liked the overall effect. Except, I will try Elliot’s suggestion for selectively sharpening the eyes a bit. In many of these old portraits, the DOF was very shallow to the point that only the area around the eyes was in focus.

Stan

charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA

Very nice.

Chuck

DonVA Loc: British Columbia and New Mexico

What is your intent? To make new out of old? I think you've done a great job and should stop right where you are. The wrinkles and scratches no longer distract from the subject but a closer look reveals that this is not retro-fake but a genuine piece of history.
Perhaps I could send you my box of old photos?

Don

Alafoto Loc: Montgomery, AL

Agreed, but still a very nice job overall. I'd happily hang it with other family photos.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Very good job of restoration and conservation.