Tips for Photo Restoration

Tips for Photo Restoration using Photoshop. Vintage photo of Anna and Pawel Frankow | Alex Inspired

One of my favourite hobbies is restoring photos.

My passion developed the day I acquired a suitcase of photos belonging to my grandparents. The suitcase was found in a basement (which we all know is not the best place to house precious documents). Several of them became discoloured, water damaged and moldy – a sad realization for such a precious family treasure.

Although this damage was a setback my mind was racing and I began a frantic scanning escapade. With the magic of Adobe Photoshop I could breathe new life into these vintage photos.

My Tips for Photo Restoration:

1. Clean your scanner
Use a static free cloth with a tiny bit of water to remove finger prints and dust from the glass. Let air dry. I recommend scanning at a higher DPI. Most scanners default to 72 -100. I always choose 600 dpi. You never know, you may want a nice 5×7 or an 8×10 OR perhaps a large canvas one day.

2. True Black & White
While editing an original black and white photo, consider that this may not be true black and white. Many photos deteriorate over the years, causing discolouration. Change the colour back to true black and white to start with a clean state using Photoshop:

  • Image>adjustments>Black & White 

3. Levels are your friend.
Once your image is restored to true black and white, check the levels of the photo.

  • Image>Adjustments>Levels.

A histogram will appear depicting the levels in the photograph. Use the slider to perfect these settings – bringing out further detail. The closer your slider is to the left, the more you need to increase. This can be a great tool for colour photos as well – bringing out crispness.

4. Clone Stamp can be the #1 way to remove spots, blemishes, water stains, scratches, folds and rips to a photo. It also can be a monstrous disaster if used incorrectly. The biggest mistake is improper brush use with this tool. Before using the clone stamp make sure to change the brush settings. Use a soft brush with a light hardness – rookie mistakes illustrate a hard edge clone stamp with non-existent blending. The same rules apply to the healing brush tool.

5. Stick to the point.
Old photos are appealing strictly because they are old. Although restoring photos can be exhilarating you have to remember when to stop. Leaving the integrity of the photo is what is important, along with enhancing what is already there. Leave some marginal flaws to maintain the vintage feel. Remember, photos can also utilize the rule of makeup… less is more.

Look how stunning my grandparents are!

Tips for Photo Restoration using Photoshop. Vintage photo of Anna and Pawel Frankow | Alex Inspired
Itching to try these tips!? Download a Photoshop trail here.
Any restoration suggestions to add? Leave a comment.

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