Hi Grandalise,
Your question suggests that you just might be interested in learning more about 'restoration'. If I'm wrong, just ignore this response
.
As the thread in Peter's link suggests, different restorers use different programs. The programs are basically just tools. As an analogy, a carpenter can create something using hammers and chisels from Brand X or Brand Y. He may have preference but both will do.
So the quality of the restores don't depend on the tools but on the restorers' experience and skills in using the tools.
An Aside on ToolsAny program that allows you to work with 'layers', 'filters', patching and cloning is OK. This covers a wide range of programs like GIMP (free) to 'one-off purchase' programs like Affinity ($50) and Photoshop Elements ($100) to 'licensed' programs like Photoshop CC ($10 per month). Photoshop CC is the 'photography industry standard' but is IMHO an overkill if all you want to do is restore old photos. For restoring individual photos, GIMP (free, but for me a bit clunky), Affinity ($50, but for me much more user-friendly than GIMP) or Photoshop Elements ($100) are more than adequate.
Back to Experience and SkillsI'm only a relative beginner and even after a year of learning (with a
lot of help from other restorers here!) and practising, I'm still learning. I have enjoyed learning to restore old photos and I still do. I still sometimes PM individual restorers to ask "How did you do that or get that effect?" and without exception other restorers have been extremely helpful in providing guidance and tips that have helped me to learn more. My experience has been that RootsChat restorers are an informal 'community' that support each other, learn from each other and welcome new members (at whatever level of experience (or lack of!)).
My steepest 'learning curve' was during the first 2-3 months. I had previously already used Photoshop CC but as a 'blunt instrument' on modern photos. During the first 2-3 months - with help and support from other restorers here - I learned the basic techniques of 'photo restoration' and how to do apply these in Photoshop CC with some degree of precision. Since then, I've learned by example from other restorers who have more experience and whose vision/skills are more developed than mine.
SummaryIf you have any curiosity or interest in leaning to restore old photos then I encourage you to give it a try! Maybe it's not for you but if it is, you quickly become hooked
Mike
your all amazing it must have taken ages to do this, have any of you got a preference as to what program to use ?
