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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Free Photo Restoration & Date Old Photographs => Photograph Resources, Tips, Tutorials => Topic started by: back2back on Thursday 02 January 20 15:06 GMT (UK)

Title: Old photos restoring
Post by: back2back on Thursday 02 January 20 15:06 GMT (UK)
Hi, I don't have a clue about photo restoring, but there are some I need to work on. (some 80 to 90 years old) Can anyone please advise me what I need. I have taken copies of said photos and installed them on my PC. Next step what program do I need  to help clear rips, creases and missing corners. OK I've shown my ignorance, looked at the posts, and been impressed. There are some talented people out there, I just wish I were one! I have win 10 64 bit.
Title: Re: Old photos restoring
Post by: Gadget on Thursday 02 January 20 15:16 GMT (UK)
Hi

That's a big ask  :)

You could start by looking at the links on the topic:

https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=232981.0

It's maybe a bit old now but the basics still apply. There are free graphics programs such as Gimp or £ ones like Photoshop or Photoshop Elements, among others.

Gadget
Title: Re: Old photos restoring
Post by: back2back on Thursday 02 January 20 15:26 GMT (UK)
Hi Gadget, Thanks for quick reply. I thought gimp was for graphics designs etc. Will look through that link. Thank you very much.
Title: Re: Old photos restoring
Post by: sarah on Thursday 02 January 20 15:58 GMT (UK)
My other half uses the GIMP, (I prefer photoshop myself) for photographs etc If you look at the top you will see a search box if you put "gimp" into the search it will list a lot of the topic regarding tutorials etc

Regards

Sarah
Title: Re: Old photos restoring
Post by: Treetotal on Thursday 02 January 20 16:17 GMT (UK)
I use Photoshop Elements 14, but as Gadget and Sarah have said, Gimp is a good start and it's free, I haven't used it but have seen some good results from some who have. It's not always about the package but how you use the tools and apply your own creativity. There are so many ways to achieve the same effect so there is no "One fits all" answer. It takes time, practice, patience and an understanding of the software you use. I have been restoring for 12 years and am still learning. There are YouTube tutorials and manuals available online, but I don't use them so can't comment on how helpful they are.
Good Luck.
Carol
Title: Re: Old photos restoring
Post by: back2back on Thursday 02 January 20 19:43 GMT (UK)
Hi, Thank you to Gadget,Sarah and Treetotal for informative replies. I will read up on the links and decide which way to jump. I did see part of gimp's tutorial, but switched off as it was all about how to dress up the word HELLO Maybe I should have stuck with it! But I am Happy for all the help I have received from Rootschat. Again Thank you.
Title: Re: Old photos restoring
Post by: sarah on Thursday 02 January 20 19:56 GMT (UK)
Hi back2back,

The youtube tutorial are really good if you narrow down the search options, so instead of searching "gimp tutorials" search for things like "gimp, how to clone, how to heal, how to colourise photos etc

Sarah
Title: Re: Old photos restoring
Post by: back2back on Friday 03 January 20 20:32 GMT (UK)
Hi Sarah, See I am already learning new words... Gimp, Clone, Heal and colourise! I will go back to Gimp, and pay more attention to what I am looking at. Rootschat is the site to point you in the right direction. Thank you all.
Title: Re: Old photos restoring
Post by: Gadget on Friday 03 January 20 20:44 GMT (UK)
A couple of tips -

Make sure you do the restore on a copy of your scan (in case you mess up while you practise, you'll still have the original)

Enlarge to at least double (200%) when you repair.

Gadget
Title: Re: Old photos restoring
Post by: back2back on Monday 06 January 20 10:19 GMT (UK)
Hi , I see about enlarging and copy. Both make sense. Thanks Gadget.