alexol

Gene,

You are obviously correct in that PS is the ideal solution, but probably vastly overkill for the OP, who doesn't sound like a photo enthusiast and just wants a simple solution.

koratcat

I heartily second that suggestion. You can do amazing things with PSE, even if it is the "baby brother." Is there a learning curve? Of course, but it really doesn't take much time to learn to use it quite effectively. And as with most things, practice makes perfect.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

It's really a question of what he expects from the solution he chooses. What he is not going to get are results that are as good as Bob's or mine. If the OP is ok with that, then he should look for something he's comfortable with. Otherwise, he should probably consider investing a little time in learning what he needs to know to do simple restoration work. It is definitely not necessary to learn every little command or procedure in Photoshop to do restoration. I certainly don't know that much about PS - but I know enough to get done what I need, and when I need to do something that is outside my little box, I am confident that someone somewhere has documented exactly what I need to do in a video or online tutorial.

We agree on one thing - PS is ideal, and more than likely vastly overkill for the OP - but I will add for most people outside of instructors. But sometimes the obvious solution is the simplest one. This could be one of those times.

Chan Garrett

The same thing can be said about the process of creating a photo. Many (most?) people just want a nice record photo. No need to learn anything about camera settings. Just set the camera on Auto and JEPG. Shoot away and let the camera software do it's thing. Others want more control over how the resulting photo will appear, with more opportunity for creativity. You choose what kind of photographer you wish to be.

gwcole

Take a look at Portrait Pro online and see if it meets your needs. Currently 50% off.

NJFrank Loc: New Jersey

I suggest going to YouTube and putting in “photo restoration software”. You may find the software you can work with and get a tutorial as a bonus.

mrmal Loc: Saskatoon, Sask, Canada

If you use Affinity Photo or want to purchase it, "Affinity Revolution" which you can find on YouTube or where ever have a Photo Restoration course. I think it still costs $25.00 and Allie does a good job on explaining and showing how to restore old faded, torn and/or damaged photos. She even included some sample photos for you to work along with her. Give it a try.

columbine1 Loc: Illinois/Wisconsin border

Hello! I just ordered a book on Photo Restoration but it has not arrived yet. What book did you use? Your results are excellent. I do have an Epson V700 scanner.

Joe Cich Loc: Gurnee, Il

Yes, it’s an understatement to say Photoshop is complicated. However, regarding performing restoration with Photoshop I have an excellent book to recommend that helps cut the elephant down to bite-sized pieces.

Katrin Eismann, Photoshop Restoration & Retouching

The chapter list (from the 3rd edition) shows the range of topics covered;
1 Photoshop Essentials
2 Improving tone and Contrast
3 Exposure Correction
4 Working with color
5 Dust, Mold, and Texture removal
6 Damage control and Repair
7 Rebuilding and Re-creating Images
8 Refining and Polishing the Image
9 Portrait Retouching
10 Glamour Retouching

This book takes the guesswork and inefficiency out of trial-and-error learning and explains the specific commands/procedures involved in performing each of these operations.

https://www.katrin-eismann.com/

Book description from an ebay listing;

Product Information
Using clear, step-by-step instructions and professional examples, authors Katrin Eismann and co-authors Wayne Palmer and Dennis Dunbar, present powerful tools and techniques in Adobe Photoshop CC for photography and design students. With new example images, illustrations, and techniques throughout, students will learn to transform faded, damaged photographs into beautiful images that are as clear and crisp as the day they were taken, and how to turn casual snapshots and studio portraits into the most flattering images possible. Full-colour, step-by-step examples show you how to: Correct extreme exposure errors and improve colour, contrast, and tone Rescue heirloom originals suffering from mold damage, cracks, and torn edges-even replace missing image information Remove dust and scratches quickly and easily Transform your photos into beautiful, original works of art by converting them to black-and white or tinted images Use a variety of sharpening techniques and tonal-correction tools to add life and sparkle to digital photos Enhance portraits by removing blemishes, reducing wrinkles, and enhancing eyes, lips, and hair, while maintaining the subject's essential character Apply the secrets that the top retouchers in the glamour and beauty industry use to perfect skin, make-up, and hair Retouch and enhance architectural, product and food shots.

Armed with this reference I would not be afraid to wade into Photoshop, as it narrows the enormous Photoshop command structure down to the commands necessary to perform restoration and retouching.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I had just finished reading her book when I received my first restoration assignment, seen earlier in this thread. The kid in the bathtub was featured as an example in her book.
--Bob

gwcole

[quote=Joe Cich]Yes, it’s an understatement to say Photoshop is complicated. However, regarding performing restoration with Photoshop I have an excellent book to recommend that helps cut the elephant down to bite-sized pieces.

Katrin Eismann, Photoshop Restoration & Retouching

A hearty thumbs up for Eismann's book. It's my go to book when I need to "help" an old photo look young again. She does lean on Photoshop for success.