Help on an old photo...

[laurie millar]

this is a picture of a photocopied old photo of my grandma. (It didn't scan very well, so I just took a picture of it) My mom wants me to fix it so that it can be printed, and be pretty as possible, as an 8x10. I'm having a rough time getting it to a point that I feel like it looks good. Does anyone know what to do? Feel free to play with it. I'm at a loss. And I'm also really hoping that I'm posting this in the right area!

Thanks!!!

[OsmosisStudios]

That would be a very tough one.

Old photos tend to scan fairly well: id give that a shot again.

[JodyGall]

I played with it for a bit, but just couldn't get rid of all the noise. And the photo overall is pretty soft. But maybe if you print it on a canvas instead of a photo, it would look pretty cool. I don't know. Whatcha think? I tried.

[laurie millar]

Thanks guys! I'll see if I can find a scanner that is better than mine. That's a good thought. Jody, thanks for the edit!!! I appreciate your help!

[RoyL]

Originally Posted by laurie millar

Thanks guys! I'll see if I can find a scanner that is better than mine. That's a good thought. Jody, thanks for the edit!!! I appreciate your help!

When you "just took a picture of it" did you use any light? If you lay the image down flat and place a lamp from the two sides of the image and shoot straight down, you should get it. Try taking a few shots at different settings to get different exposures and then blend them. But you should be able to get a good editable image with just one shot.

I have been working on your image but am not happy with the results, especially the left eye which has no detail.

Try teh lighting and repost the results.

[laurie millar]

Great idea! Thanks!

[private]

This is my take. I played with levels and curves, then just contrast. Added a Sepia tint (popular back in the day) added a slight vignette and then ran it through noiseware... Now that I look again, I should also play with the midtone shadows

[pcr1968]

So much Noise I had to wear ear plugs.



Had a go at fixing the pic, prob could have done better on a high quality scan. It was good fun fiddling with this pic, But the noise was defening.
Cheers Aussie Pete.

Now that I can see your Grandmother more clearly - She was quite beautiful.

[tjphoto]

Can you turn up the Resolution on your scanner?Check you manual You would be surprised.Or get along to your local photography group if your a member you can use their equipment.If not take it in to a lab it should cost very much just for the scan.

[pcr1968]

Originally Posted by pcr1968

So much Noise I had to wear ear plugs.



Had a go at fixing the pic, prob could have done better on a high quality scan. It was good fun fiddling with this pic, But the noise was defening.
Cheers Aussie Pete.

Now that I can see your Grandmother more clearly - She was quite beautiful.

Ok pic should be there now, not sure why they not there. I can see them from my end.