Restore Old Photo - Remove Grunge?

[MsMovieMaker]

I have an old photo that I'm trying to clean up but I'm running into problems removing the "grunge" that's accumulated from aging. I don't know what to call it other than "grunge". I want to keep the dark areas that make up the face but the aging is competing with the shadows of his cheek bones and underneath the chin. I'm not sure how to preserve those areas and get a clean background. Any thoughts?

I've attached the photo here, drastically reducing the original file size. Thanks in advance!

[Steve]

That grunge looks like it was added to an otherwise clean photo to me.

[MsMovieMaker]

I wish that was the case. I scanned the photo myself. The problems were exaggerated after increasing the contrast. However, the increased contrast was needed to bring out the image.

[ibclare]

I have come up with this making three adjustments, exposure, levels and blend mode. Could use curves probably instead of exposure and levels. Beyond this, you will probably have to use masking techniques and some careful brushing within the face. There are no real details, but you could remove more of the "grunge" as you call it

Let me know if you want more info -- if this is moving in the right direction.

[Paul]

I basicly re drew the image with a fine brush on a few layers, then de saturated to overlay with original.
Could spend more time on it, good practice though.

Attachment 12540

[ibclare]

Nice work Paul. I haven't had much time but here's what I did so far (again)

Haven't done anything with the lower part. Done for now though.

[MsMovieMaker]

All great thoughts and suggestions! I was hoping I wouldn't have to go in with a brush but that looks like the best option.

Thank you so much for your help!

[ibclare]

Make sure you do it on a mask -- well, unless you do it Paul's way that is. I'm not sure what exactly he did, but he'll explain. Anyway, if you do the brushing on a mask and make a mistake you can always change from black to white and so on. Of course if you paint, you can do it on a layer above. Both ways are non-destructive.

[Paul]

I basicly re drew the image with a fine brush on a few layers, then de saturated to overlay with original.
Could spend more time on it, good practice though.

Attachment 12540

I said...

[dv8_fx]

I have an old photo that I'm trying to clean up but I'm running into problems removing the "grunge" that's accumulated from aging. I don't know what to call it other than "grunge". I want to keep the dark areas that make up the face but the aging is competing with the shadows of his cheek bones and underneath the chin. I'm not sure how to preserve those areas and get a clean background. Any thoughts?

I've attached the photo here, drastically reducing the original file size. Thanks in advance!

Attachment 12526

Is that the original scan? If not, can you upload the original?