Old photos restoring

[back2back]

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.

[Gadget]

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

[back2back]

Hi Gadget, Thanks for quick reply. I thought gimp was for graphics designs etc. Will look through that link. Thank you very much.

[sarah]

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

[Treetotal]

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

[back2back]

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.

[sarah]

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

[back2back]

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.

[Gadget]

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