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Messages - Old Photos

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1
Photograph Resources, Tips, Tutorials / Re: Links "Digital restoration from start to finish" Books and Video Tutorials
« on: Tuesday 21 January 14 20:43 GMT (UK)  »
I have always been a strong supporter of GIMP software for beginners. Not only because it's free and prevents a huge financial outlay for those looking to test the water and their ability. But also because used correctly GIMP can produce very good results.

A book I would recommend is "GIMP 2.6 for Photographers" by Klaus Goelker.

Good luck





2
Free Photo Restoration & Date Old Photographs / Re: Scanning Large Photos
« on: Friday 07 June 13 08:23 BST (UK)  »
Quote from: Warin on Friday 07 June 13 00:04 BST (UK)
Quote from: Old Photos on Thursday 06 June 13 07:54 BST (UK)
If you want something that's as good or better than the original then scanning is the best way forward.

 ??? ??? Better than the original? As good as the original?

Umm depends on how you define 'better' and 'good' I suppose .. but in technical terms every stage of the analog reproduction process introduces degradation (noise, distortion etc) thus you cannot 'improve' on the original? Removal of things you may not want/like may be seen as better but in terms of preservation better off with the original.

It's rather easy to define, and I thought I had in a previous post?

Essentially, if you look at most photo restorations, there are some good ones on this site, you will instantly see an improvement on the scan. When I mention an improvement on the original I am referring to that original scan, which in many cases will be damaged.

So obviously a scanned and repaired photo is going to be better than the old damaged photo.

Clearly it would be difficult to produce something better than the day the photo was taken but since that is a hypothetical situation that will never occur because many of these photos are  decades old it's safe to say that with scanning and editing an old photo you can considerably improve on the old photo.

3
Free Photo Restoration & Date Old Photographs / Re: Scanning Large Photos
« on: Thursday 06 June 13 11:14 BST (UK)  »
As I say, different opinions for different people.

However, for the amateur the scanning option is probably better.

With regards scanning, there are endless examples of scanning an old photo and editing it so it looks better than the original. Many of which are on this site. The scanners that are generally available these days and the results they produce are pretty much flawless when operated correctly.

4
Free Photo Restoration & Date Old Photographs / Re: Scanning Large Photos
« on: Thursday 06 June 13 07:54 BST (UK)  »
I suppose it depends what you're happy with? A quick fix would be to photograph the photo, however  to do that accurately isn't straight forward and there is a big chance the image won't be as good as the original.

If you want something that's as good or better than the original then scanning is the best way forward.

5
Free Photo Restoration & Date Old Photographs / Scanning Large Photos
« on: Wednesday 05 June 13 23:24 BST (UK)  »
Here is an article on how to scan and edit old photos that are too large for you scanner.

http://www.redrosephotos.co.uk/scanning-photos/

Of if you want the step by step guide with picture visit

http://www.sxc.hu/blog/post/1720

Gaining access to larger scanners can be very problematic and the above process demonstrates how even with a relatively small scanner you can scan in different parts of the photo, digitally stitch them together and end up with a full flawless digital image.

6
Free Photo Restoration & Date Old Photographs / Re: This is a very old photo
« on: Tuesday 21 May 13 22:52 BST (UK)  »
Nice collection of restorations.

Out of interest how old is the photo roughly? It's always difficult to guess without much information but would early 1900's be right?

7
Free Photo Restoration & Date Old Photographs / Re: Two mystery children with a Mandolin - date & repair please
« on: Sunday 12 May 13 12:04 BST (UK)  »
I wouldn't disagree with the hair observation. Like I say, I could be wrong but I on initial fewing I would lean pre 1900. However, a little more information about the print would probably clear it up.

8
Free Photo Restoration & Date Old Photographs / Re: Tidy up please
« on: Sunday 12 May 13 11:32 BST (UK)  »
A great selection of repairs and it's always interesting to see how different the restorations are. I've always said that photo restoration is an art form, hence one persons restoration will differ hugely from another.

9
Free Photo Restoration & Date Old Photographs / Re: Please date & repair this photo - could it be 1880?
« on: Sunday 12 May 13 11:28 BST (UK)  »
Quote from: JJ Girl on Sunday 12 May 13 10:09 BST (UK)
Wiggy that is amazing....thank you so much for your expertise!  I really appreciate it very, very much!  I was so excited to receive this photo - and now it's so much more beautiful.

JJ Girl  :)

P.S. Wiggy, it looks great on my computer too!!

Really top notch restoration. Well done.

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