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Hello all


M

MrWoolie

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Hi,
just been searching for some help and by a mile this forum seems to be the most popular..

Last time I used photoshop was a few years ago now so the latest version is taking me some time to get used to.

i have a question, I know the attached image is a mess but before I pull my hair out I need an opinion if it can be saved and perhaps the best way to start.
Many thanks
mark image.jpg
 
Yes, it definitely can be improved. A knowledgeable and skillful retoucher could devote anything from a few minutes to probably an hour or more working on this image, and the results will reflect the effort put in. Below is the result of spending well under 5 min using simple global (or quasi-global) adjustments to the image. Basically, I selected the stained / moldy regions and then simply increased their brightness, adjusted their contrast and saturation, etc. Note that I intentionally down-rez'ed it to "proof" size to prevent it from taking work away from the pros on the site who do this sort of thing for money.

To do better than this, one would have to manually reconstruct areas that have been obliterated by the stain. This would involve using tools such as the clone and patch tools. This would take vastly more time.

HTH,

Tom M
 

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Hi Tom,

thanks for the reply, just adjusting the areas is a great start. I have been using the clone tool. Which works really well apart from the face. I think I will be spending a good few hours on this, great learning curve.

thanks again
Mark
 
Great advice above from Mr. Mann, our resident PsD (Photoshop Doctor of course) and OCD (Ominously Cool Designer).

My advice, always use layer adjustments and get everything as good as you can before you start cloning or painting. You'll save a ton of time.

Also, I always advise you to make a duplicate layer of the original; use layer adjustments rather than straight adjustments that can't be changed later. Use smart objects for adding filters since you can also adjust those later, but not on a regular layer. Rather than merge layers, copy-merge them. You may already know this but I would hate to see you spend hours and hours and not be able to backtrack and readjust things. Using groups will also help keep things tidy. Layers can get really unwieldy and tough to find otherwise. And last suggestion, make sure you title every layer in a descriptive enough way so you know what it is and what you did.

Good luck and enjoy the journey!

And post your efforts along the way. We'd love to see the stages and rip you apart. JK. Post away. We're gentle. Retaliatory feedback is a B----! We just want to be B-----N!
 
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Definitely can be saved, there are members here who have restored much worse damage. If you plan to go about this your self, the best things to remember are that channels are your friend, and that photo restoration is like an archeological dig. you have to go in with fine tools and work very carefully so you scrape away the dirt and grime, but don't destroy any original detail.
A photo like this could easily take 4 hours or more to do correctly so go slow and always work on a duplicate so you have the original to go back to.

Best,
Chris
 
Thanks for the info so far. Everything is helping.

i have been chipping away with the clone brush for the last two hours and have decided to start again. My mistake for rushing (stupidly promised a touch up and print for a Mother's Day gift!!)

i have been trying out the colour replacement brush with varied results.
 
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