Removing Date Stamp

[AggieDad]

I am using Elements 4 on a MAC and barely know how to turn this program on. I have a photo that has the date stamp on it and I want to remove it. For a newbie/dummy/expelled from a PS online course type of guy, give me directions on how to do this. I did do a mask layer and filled it all with white and used a black brush and took away all the white but the date stamp is still visible and there is detail there that I do not want to lose.
I thought about making a layer and "painting" over just the numbers but to make it match would be almost impossible as far as I can tell. Multiple colors and shades.

Thanks
I have just about given up trying to learn this program so I understand if someone tells me to just send it to a professional.

[way2close]

Welcome to the forum, we pretty much all started out right where you are now. I also use Elements 4 on a Mac, and don't have a lot of experience. But what I've done with date stamps is to focus in on the area (use command/+) until I can see pretty much each pixel, and then use the clone stamp to copy the color I need, pixel by pixel if necessary. It was painfully tedious, but the result was quite acceptable. Hopefully someone will have a better way and we will both learn something new.

[frank abramonte]

If I understand you correctly this should help:

You can select an area similar in background as to where the date stamp is with the marquee tool. Drag the selection holding down option key. Make sure that you follow the direction of any obvious straight lines. Note that the floor boards are descending and so is the selection. If there is a clear area that you can copy it can be done in one step, otherwise you work as best as possible.
Small minor details can just be eliminated. This can be done on the original or on a layer. If you make a mistake on the original you can always delete the steps in the history window.


http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1Fa0EqnF2rNjqsmv2c8ohZx2YqxL_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1Fa0EqnF2rNjqsmv2c8ohZx2YqxL)

[AggieDad]

Thank guys. I will experiment with these ideas. Sometimes the multitudes of tools and beginners confusion over what they do is overwhelming.

[Wendy]

Hi ...

When you first get Elements is can be a bit overwelming ... but it won't take long for you to pick it up :)

Wendy