Lighten my darkness?

[Kin-getter]

Needed a copy of a photo (damaged) but no chance to scan so took a digi photo - cropped it and tried to improve - result as can be seen. Have joined them to post on here.
Then some time later, was sent another copy (undamaged original) from another source but not too great a scan.

Can someone manage any improvement in picture quality please to make it worth framing?  I can post the two halves of pic 1 separately.

Thanks,

James.

[genechaser]

Massie Family

[Kin-getter]

genechaser,

Thanks.

James.

[mudge]

Hi James
And two from me. Not much improvement though!
Mudge

[Kin-getter]

Mudge,

Thanks for trying.

Tell me though, in your considered opinion, would a repair to the very first picture be feasible/practicable?
The original was damaged, I managed to take a photo of it which at higher size I think is better than the other - other than the damaged bit (mainly the middle feller's face), and the effects of the camera flash, some of which is removable with a clone brush (for some adept person with a steady hand and obviously not me who tried with PSP).

I can post the pic again, but without the 'original in frame'.

James.

[mudge]

James, you could give it a try
If you scan it at same resolution / size as the second image, and post it in place of the first one, the second image could be used to superimpose the face details. That would be a nice challenge for those who are complaining about being bored!!!!!
Mudge

[Kin-getter]

Mudge, here's a duh moment - it wasn't a scan - but a photo. Sorry etc etc.
I could repost if you think the job is feasible. I have a larger copy than that above.
James.

[mudge]

I'm getting a bit confused now
(Doesn't take much these days  )
Just post it (whatever it is !!!!), and leave the rest to us 
Mudge

[Kin-getter]

Know the feeling

Here we go -

Thanks,

James.