Photo of WH Soundie for restoration please

[munchies]

I have this photo? Of my grandad (born 1890) in his army best uniform My mum always said it was a painting done in France but am sure it is a photo despite the sacking type material it is attached to.
He has red hair and blue eyes.
My son and I have spent ages following the tutorial listed above so I hope this works. One picture is without any editing I think and the other has had colour improved and backlight

[John-76]

I've just started on your picture, but I have a question, Munchies.  Does this medal in the lower part of the picture have the short red lines, or do you want the lines removed(the ones indicated by the arrows)?  Also, assuming this was WWI military, do you know what group he was with?  That would help to get all the uniform colors as accurate as possible. Thanks,
John

[tomkin]

          it's a painting.  believe yer mum

[hoobaloo]

Fixed the damage, John.

[Treetotal]

Lovely piece of work John  I agree with Tomkin, it's a painting.
Carol

[Trishanne]

I agree with Tomkin, mother knows best. Here's one from me.
Pat

[John-76]

One more contribution.  I agree with others, it's a painting.

[munchies]

I've just started on your picture, but I have a question, Munchies.  Does this medal in the lower part of the picture have the short red lines, or do you want the lines removed(the ones indicated by the arrows)?  Also, assuming this was WWI military, do you know what group he was with?  That would help to get all the uniform colors as accurate as possible. Thanks,
John

Yes please I think the red lines were graffiti added at some point ☹️
He was a gunner with 130th Royal Field Artillery
He received the 1914 Star, Military Medal, British Medal and Victory Medal so I assume this was prior to receiving the last 2 medals would that be right. I have also just noted that in his little book for soldiers he describes himself as 5’3 fresh complexion, brown hair and grey eyes

[munchies]

Oh my word these look gorgeous. I will print one and take it to show my uncle WHs eldest son who is almost 90 when I see him next week.

My uncle apparently has the medals which I thought were lost so it will be lovely to see them.

And I have the war diaries that I painstakingly transcribed for the 100th anniversary last year which he has never seen.

Thank you so much.

Donna
PS apologies to mum for doubting her but I still can’t see brushstrokes 😂🤷‍♀️