Advice re Black & White Image

[bayhli]

I fixed up this B&W photo for a friend. I did ok with the restoration part but I'm not happy with the B&W effect.

The majority of the OptikVerve B&W filters were either not suitable or not effective - not effective because the image is already black and white? or because I did not adjust the filter effect? (There's a panel to the right with adjustment options after a filter is chosen)

It's a 5x7 print, some of the white edging will be hidden by a simple black frame. I got the charcoal and white border colours from within the photo as stark black and white seemed to overpower the photo but perhaps this is why there is no zing?

I'm thinking it is the B&W shades that are ineffective - all I did in the end was use levels as none of the techniques I tried seemed to do anything for it. Again is this because it is B&W to begin with? I tried it in colour and grey mode. I also tried the colour channels technique but I find it a challenge as yet adjusting the three colour areas - haven't developed much of an eye yet.

I would sure appreciate any advice that would make this pop a little!

Original:
http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1aj8M6DwrrZqnfV2A5MpIvRgImKr

Restored:
http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1KiLhPWaZr8qKsaNpxWQJTTgrTffC7

Thanks!

[Robyn]

Hi Pat,
Just personal preference - but I prefer the original B & W. I'd like to see that with a slightly wider frame and coloured to match/compliment the original B & W. No doubt others may think differently - it's all in the eye of the beholder.

[Pauline]

Your midtones seem very dark. Go in levels and adjust the middle slider a bit until it lightens up the mid tones. I find the overall image quite dark, and detail is lost. Also try dialing back a bit on your darks. If you look at the woman's dress on the left there is absolutely NO detail in it. Even if it were a black skirt it should still have shadows and midtones. You don't want to use pure black or pure white or you loose detail.

[bayhli]

Thanks Robyn and Pauline - I'll try your suggestions.

It must be the posting Pauline, I can see the folds of the skirt and various shades. But I think you are right, it is still too dark so I'll lighten it up.

The Film Noir filter from OpticVerve is a nice effect actually, much lighter and closer to what you are suggesting Robyn. Perhaps that is a better choice.

I expected someone to tell me to take the shopping bag out of the right lower corner. My friend wanted it in the photo. The lady in the front with the black skirt was their mom, who unfortunately passed away while they were young teens. As kids they were mortified by the paper shopping bag she took everywhere, but it is now an endearing symbol of who she was. I was fortunate to have known her as our friendship goes back many years and she was a kind gentle soul. This is the only photo they have with all the kids together (and a few spares, there were 7 of them).

Thanks again!

[Jodi Frye]

I was wondering...which settings you used on your scanner ? Setting to color photo at 600 res may give you more to work with. It's possible the detail was robbed from the scanner.

[bayhli]

Thanks Jodi,

Mary gave me that exact excellent advice and it was scanned in at 600 colour. Huge difference from my inadequate first scan.

I'm going to try some adjusting as suggested. I don't have much of an "eye" yet and unsure of what good results look like - "senior" member indeed :)

[Juergen D]

Pat,
I would add a little Sepia effect (Spedia, >Jodi... :)). Here is a quick shot I took at your photo. Other than that I only used Levels and Brightness/Contrast adjustment layers and some USM.
http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1POsCVdk0N7YTEq3NBBRkDHAf8bqwn1

Juergen

[bayhli]

Hmmmm.. that's interesting too, Juergen.

What do you mean by (Spedia, >Jodi... ) - I'm wondering if it's another resource for more types of filters? I'm always on the lookout.

My friend was happier with the results than I was but I'm going to try all of these different effects - if she sees them actually printed I'm sure she'll find a better choice for herself.

Thank you!

[Juergen D]

> What do you mean by (Spedia, >Jodi... ) - I'm wondering if it's another resource for more types of filters?

No Pat, that's just a little inside joke with Jodi... ;)

Juergen

[Jodi Frye]

Juergen, i mean Juggen...;)

Thanks for the smile

well speaking of such, my Missing Styles disc does have Photo tints which include the original Spedia styles....tho they don't go by that name on the disc :) ....long story. Those who know the story....keep it under lock and key please ;)

[bayhli]

OK Jodi, I'm really confused now! :)

Is your Missing Styles disc for sale? And if so how can I get it? I have no idea what Spedia styles are but I'd be interested in most anything you have to offer for PE.

I absolutely love the works you have in your gallery...