RootsChat.Com
Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Free Photo Restoration & Date Old Photographs => Topic started by: alistquin on Saturday 28 October 23 15:20 BST (UK)
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Could someone please do a tidying job on this rather scruffy photograph taken in Athenry, County Galway.
Alistair
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Scratches and blemishes removed
Edges restored and slightly adjusted the tones
Not sure if the black shadow in the 3rd left panel above the 1st Higgins word is meant to be there or is just a blemish, so a second version is added.
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My Try
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..
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Another one for the collection. :)
Peter
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waynenort, RJ137, japeflakes and McGroger,
Thank you all! I'm delighted with all the contributions.
Alistair :) :) :) :)
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Late.2 variations.
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Thanks Keybob! Appreciated. :)
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Hi Alistair, long time no see :D
I would have done this one but I can't compete with AI nor do I wish too.
What is the connection to your Family?
Carol
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Hi Carol,
Nice to hear from you and sorry about the AI thing. I didn't know it had crept into this field.
The Higgins family of Athenry are my late wife's mother's family, ergo, my mother-in-law's family.
Why do you ask?
Alistair
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Just curiosity really, I think it must be great to have a connection to shops and businesses, especially if they are still in the Family.
Carol
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Hi Alistair, long time no see :D
I would have done this one but I can't compete with AI nor do I wish too.
Carol
Yes Alister... it is being used extensively. Some of the more unbelievable (I use that term figuratively and "literally") results of facial details recreated (eyes, hair, teeth and such) are not actually "restored" - but rather AI generated/created. I try to only use it lightly (if needed and desired), but it does seem to be a fan favorite. Carol is right... one can not compete with those type of expected results. Sometimes the general cleanup (scratch removal, dust busting and stain removal is not addressed very well (if at all) - but the AI filter has been run and the generation of what appears to be a remarkable recreation of peoples faces is rendered. It isn't fully reliable from an actual standpoint of resemblance to what the person or persons may have actually looked like. Particularly highly detailed facial features derived from very lores, out of focus and faded originals. BUT it amazes folks.
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Well said jmagarac...
I think AI is taking over the photo board and not to its benefit. There are many people who don't realise that the result is achieved by matching similar facial features drawn from the internet, and in effect, are a modern day likeness not to be taken seriously.
I have frequently reminded people who have used my restores to print off, that they should protect the original and make sure that the restored version is labelled as such.
The majority of photos that are posted here are historical images of peoples' ancestors and any restoration work should bear that in mind and treat them with respect.
Carol
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Got up early this morning here in Melbourne before work and my son was keen to share an old dog some new tricks in Photoshop. He was just finishing work. Just some good old-fashioned levels / curves adjustments with the high pass filter and masking.
...and to put the doorknob back on the door which I thought was originally a blemish lol ;D
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Thank you waynenort! :)
Following on from previous comments on this post, I for one would like to know when a 'restore' is AI and not. Maybe it's unrealistic to expect that but worth asking.
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Hi, alistquin.
I composed an opinion piece a while ago about a downside of AI tools, but held back from posting it.
Your query now however probably presents me with an appropriate time to put it out there. https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=877762.new#new (https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=877762.new#new)
Peter
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That is an excellent interpretation of what AI does to photos peter, to the unsuspecting poster, it can be thrilling to get a clear photo of their rellie, but the problem is that most of the photos that are posted here, are historic and this needs to be reflected in the restoration process in order for it not to have that "Taken yesterday" look.
AI certainly has it's uses but must be treated with caution.
Carol
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Thank you waynenort! :)
Following on from previous comments on this post, I for one would like to know when a 'restore' is AI and not. Maybe it's unrealistic to expect that but worth asking.
Hi Alistair,
The AI, I understand that often causes upsets is one-click portrait restoration. So the user simply uses a piece of software such as the applications found with MyHeritage, Remini and I think Neural filters in Photoshop and won't do any manual restoration. Someone pls correct me on Photoshop if I have it wrong with Neural filters, as I haven't played too much with this filter.
AI in portraiture auto-restoration is still in its early stages. It will still take a few years to become the one-stop shop many people who can't perform manual restorations are hoping for.
As for landscape restoration, I don't believe there is an AI application that will perform restorations in the same way by replacing existing parts in historic landscape restorations reliably. That is in the same way it's done for portraiture restorations... such as replacing part of an eye, a nose, or a mouth. The landscape AI program would need to house an infinite library of objects.
But of course it won't stop companies from trying, such as Adobe's attempt with their new beta application called Firefly. At the moment this to me is like adding photo-realistic clipart together. Which currently doesn't work that well yet
As for the landscape that I've had a go a restoring here - it's just good old-fashioned Photoshop restorating.
Yes, I've used and tested the above apps that applications for portrait restoration. I think they can be great if used sparingly for edge sharping, The sweet spot for me is masking out 95%+ of the AI portrait if needed for sharpening.
I'm all for anyone having a go at restorations no matter what the tools or whether it's automated or not. As they are taking time out of their day simply trying to kindly help others and hopefully not trying to compete.
But more importantly, keep your original unedited digital photos. No amount of restoration can replace them.
For me personally, I prefer the original state, even if they, unfortunately, show the scratches, blemishes, and tears.
Cheers, Wayne
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Well said jmagarac...
I think AI is taking over the photo board and not to its benefit. There are many people who don't realise that the result is achieved by matching similar facial features drawn from the internet, and in effect, are a modern day likeness not to be taken seriously.
I have frequently reminded people who have used my restores to print off, that they should protect the original and make sure that the restored version is labelled as such.
The majority of photos that are posted here are historical images of peoples' ancestors and any restoration work should bear that in mind and treat them with respect.
Carol
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Thank you waynenort! :)
Following on from previous comments on this post, I for one would like to know when a 'restore' is AI and not. Maybe it's unrealistic to expect that but worth asking.
Hi Alistair,
The AI, I understand that often causes upsets is one-click portrait restoration. So the user simply uses a piece of software such as the applications found with MyHeritage, Remini and I think Neural filters in Photoshop and won't do any manual restoration. Someone pls correct me on Photoshop if I have it wrong with Neural filters, as I haven't played too much with this filter.
As for landscape restoration, I don't believe there is an AI application that will perform restorations in the same way by replacing existing parts in historic landscape restorations reliably. That is in the same way it's done for portraiture restorations... such as replacing part of an eye, a nose, or a mouth. The landscape AI program would need to house an infinite library of objects.
Good points... very good points. As Carol has appropriately and accurately pointed out, AI is taking over. And yes... it is in high demand. It is being requested of me in my personal restoration work and in my professional, ad agency work. it has yet to replace my 40+ years of proprietary and pc platform Photoshop skillsets... but it is undeniably inevitable. Agree so very much that is is obvious and almost unnatural... particularly in historic photo restorations. They do indeed, have that "taken yesterday" look. I do not like it, but many are demanding it. It is a bit of a "compete" scenario. When I am asked to utilize - or sometimes, I take the liberty (moderately) to use myself... I am always very reluctant to take much credit for it. When folks enthusiastically thank me.. I am generally inclined to say "they are welcome" - but that I cannot take much credit. I will openly share that I ran it through an AI filter. Yes... Remini is one, Vance AI is another. Topaz Photo AI is a great one. Neural Filters in Photoshop isn't competing yet at those levels - but I am sure that it is headed that way. Can't add a whole lot more to what has already been said, other than to reiterate that landscape and background elements (clothing, hands and such) are not yet being handled very well by AI. Particularly in restorations. So obvious when the face (and parts of hair) are super detailed and the rest of the image almost looks so untouched or unnatural. Yes Alister... I think folks should put an acknowledgment or disclaimer when they have used AI... not a bad idea.
I am less than a year from retiring commercially - so I guess I will just let technology run its course. Be interesting to see how it all pans out.