Advice to repair photo and others like it.

[roadrunner465]

This is a picture of my older brother and air force buddies
Please advise how I might make the picture better. I can crop the bad parts, clone the mess but the background is a problem. I tried to lighten but it did not work.
If someone can advise me I would appreciate it.
I could lasso around the men, and try to put on a new background but need help re directions.
Again thanks for advice and help
Joy

[Harry Ward]

Joy,

take a look at this link. It may just help.

I have attached a VERY quick (5 minute) "fix" that I made using that method.

Have go and see what you think. If you would like me to continue then post a bigger scan.

Regards

Harry

[Harry Ward]

and here is the link 

www.artworld.si/restoration_an_old_photo-tutorial-64.art

[roadrunner465]

harry
thanks you are doing fine. I haven't got the original but will print this copy and scan it again. Is this ok
Joy
I know the basics, but it was the background and the huge ink smudge across the pic that got me.

[kerryb]

Brilliant link Harry.

Thank you from me too.

I did a course in Photoshop a few years ago but had forgotten about Noise and grain.

Kerry 

[roadrunner465]

http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=108773722C48F342

Harry i scanned at 600 so hope this is ok.
Again thanks for all the info
joy

[Harry Ward]

Joy,

yes this one is fine I will work on for you, and try to tell you what I did..so that your learning curve speeds up.

Regards

Harry

[Harry Ward]

Kerry,

I use links to tutorials all the time..got hundreds of them..it is the only way to learn..

Harry

[roadrunner465]

Thank you Harry, the more people tell me the more I learn. I always try to follow everyone directions if they are not too difficult. I print and save directions so that I can use them at a later time, so as you say my learning curve will increase. The more I learn in this world the better I feel
joy