Help, please

[BarbieMB]

I hope someone can help me. I am new to this and using PSE3. Original photo was the size of a small postage stamp. I have done as much with it as I know how to do, but it needs a lot of help. The hat is not right, nor is the face. I would love for the image to "fade" at the bottom, and the background needs some help.

If anyone can help me in any way with instructions or anything, I would be most greatful.

Barbie
3263

3264

[Diana]

Hi Barbie,

I'm assuming you scanned this photo. If your scanner has the options available to set the scanning resolution and size, set it to 300 resolution and size it to 200%. That will give you a larger image with more pixels to work with.

I tried upsizing it a little and worked on some of it, but it isn't an easy image to work with.

To get the bottom of the picture feathered, create a new blank layer below the photo, sample the background color from the photo and fill the blank layer with that color. Then select the Eraser tool using a soft-edged brush, and on the picture layer, erase the bottom of the photo so more of the background is exposed and the rough sharp edge of the picture is gone.

Here's my try at upsizing your "after" image:
http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1uMqMDwGUutw7nxDV1NShzYxFL1LW_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1uMqMDwGUutw7nxDV1NShzYxFL1LW)

Good luck with it.

Diana

[Daviskw]

Hi Barbie

You have done a lot of good work...but perhaps over done it somewhat in areas. I think the photo can be retouched but...you need more pixels to work with.

I would rescan at a much higher resolution. Think about what size you would like the finished print or displayed size to be. I would say 5" by 6" in that area. Scan at that size with 300 to 600 ppi.

You can always reduce the size when editing is done.

Rather than putting the picture itself in a post just post a link to the full version and I'm sure we can give you some ideas.

Butch

[frank abramonte]

Barbie:
I brought back as much as possible, along with a little color.
I scaled it to 4 x 4 250 dpi which should give you a decent print.
I had not read your entire post so I left it in the frame.
You can change the frame or put an oval around the subject.

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1w2vaPCUehNN8PnTKUHbiCEA831Gze0_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1w2vaPCUehNN8PnTKUHbiCEA831Gze0)

[nu2scene]

How cool, I like these old photos. I first opened the pic in ACR. I did a white balance using the white from the rips in the pic. I added some blacks, some contrast, and clarity. I then went and sharpened a little, and added some noise reduction in luminance and color.

Then I opened the pic in the editor. Since it was so small I had the idea to upsample it. I've never done that before, so it was cool to try it out. Not sure if it helped or not. I used the biggest side, and increased it to 5 inches, and dialed in 240 ppi.

After that I did a whole bunch of spot healing with the healing brush to clean up the background, as well as the clone tool. I played with the healing brush and cloning too on the rips as well.

I played with levels, added more contrast, and then finally sharpened again in the editor. Thanks for letting me play along.

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1zV5KCU6OPwk2xETosQsCFZhwFlkQB_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1zV5KCU6OPwk2xETosQsCFZhwFlkQB)

[BarbieMB]

Thanks to you all for this help. I am giving this another shot. I am going to rescan image. I have so much to learn. I am glad you are all here.