Fixing/Reconstructing Motion Blur

[pozzello]

Hi all,

I have a long exposure image with motion blur problems; the main image is sharp but there are a few objects hanging from chains that moved during the exposure. What's the best way of repairing this ? Ideally I would like to learn how to fix it myself by reconstructing some of the hanging baskets but would be willing to pay someone if I can't get it right It needs to look realistic as I'm going to be making 40" prints.

Here is what the final image looks like and a closeup of a problem section


Paul

 

[Tom Mann]

First, let me congratulate you on a wonderful B&W image. It has all the usual good technical aspects going for it, and it also has content interest, mystery, uniqueness, etc. IMHO, it's among the best and most interesting images I've ever seen on this forum.

Now, the bad news. I know of no automated or semi-automated / algorithmic way to reduce that blur that will look even slightly realistic.

The only way I can think of to get high quality results is to (tediously) reconstruct a non-blurred version of each blurred object (eg, liberal use of the clone tool, making your own brushes, etc.), and then synthesize appropriate material to replace parts of the background that had previously been hidden by the blurred object in front.

As I suspect you realize, to do a job that will match the quality of the rest of the image, IMHO, this will require a major effort by someone who is a very good retoucher, AND is willing to "put in the time". To get this sort of quality, you may want to consider asking us to repost your request in our fee-for-service section (and adding the info requested in the Guidelines / FAQ for that section).

IMHO, there are so many small, disjoint areas to be fixed, If I had to guess, to execute such a project at the quality level you desire would probably require 1/2 to one full day of work.

Sorry, but I suspect you already suspected this was the case.

Tom

PS - I will not be bidding on this work because I have a huge deadline in a couple of weeks.

 

[Tom Mann]

PPS - You've got my curiosity going: What sort of a place is that? An industrial kitchen / food processing facility? Did you have to do a lot of set dressing, or were most of the objects already in place?

Whatever it is, I'm sure the zombie-lovers and dark fantasy folks of the world will be drooling to incorporate it into their composites once they get sight of it, so you better be careful and heavily watermark all versions you post publicly.

T

 

[besmirched]

The floor stain is what gets me, great picture.

 

[pozzello]

First, let me congratulate you on a wonderful B&W image. It has all the usual good technical aspects going for it, and it also has content interest, mystery, uniqueness, etc. IMHO, it's among the best and most interesting images I've ever seen on this forum.

Now, the bad news. I know of no automated or semi-automated / algorithmic way to reduce that blur that will look even slightly realistic.

The only way I can think of to get high quality results is to (tediously) reconstruct a non-blurred version of each blurred object (eg, liberal use of the clone tool, making your own brushes, etc.), and then synthesize appropriate material to replace parts of the background that had previously been hidden by the blurred object in front.

As I suspect you realize, to do a job that will match the quality of the rest of the image, IMHO, this will require a major effort by someone who is a very good retoucher, AND is willing to "put in the time". To get this sort of quality, you may want to consider asking us to repost your request in our fee-for-service section (and adding the info requested in the Guidelines / FAQ for that section).

IMHO, there are so many small, disjoint areas to be fixed, If I had to guess, to execute such a project at the quality level you desire would probably require 1/2 to one full day of work.

Sorry, but I suspect you already suspected this was the case.

Tom

PS - I will not be bidding on this work because I have a huge deadline in a couple of weeks.

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the positive review !

I expected a lot of work to be involved but was hoping someone would have some advice on the best way of approaching this; I'm not a photoshop newbie but self-taught and often make things complicated. So basically, copy/paste masking/blending/patching and cloning... what about that new motion blur tool in CC ?



The image is a "welfare room" at Bethlehem Steel. It's similar to a locker room but employees would put their valuables in baskets and hooks and hoist them up to the ceiling. I like 'simple' compositions so I cleaned up the floor a little with a broom to keep the litter from being too distracting, but the rest was as-is including the hanging coat.

Interesting comment about watermarking, is that something that will be visible on the image or is it embeded ? Can't someone just photoshop it out ?!

Paul

 

[pozzello]

The floor stain is what gets me, great picture.

I replied yesterday but got a warning about needing moderator approval... yet this message went through...