Restoring an old photograph

blastman · 25-05-2007 4:35pm #1

To cut a long story short, I've got an old photograph that was recently found after being missing for many years. It's about 70 years old and in bad shape, as although it was framed, it has been stuck behind a chimney or in an attic or something for about thirty years.

Does anyone know of a good photo restoration place around the Dublin area? It's a very important photo to the family and I'd love to get it properly restored.

Canonfan · 26-05-2007 5:46am

Is it black&white, they can now add colour to the photo at extra cost.

My friend was in the same situation, one shop wanted E100-150.

il gatto · 26-05-2007 5:57am

Somebody you know probably has Photoshop. Scan it in and do it yourself. It's time consuming and takes a bit of practice, but you can keep at it until it's perfect and you'd be amazed at the results. I did one for a friends parents having never tried it before. They were dubious until they saw the results. Then you can carefully store the original away and print copies for other family members. Can often turn out better than a supposedly professional job.
Remember, "Clone Stamp" is your best friend.

Canonfan · 26-05-2007 12:16pm

Agreed. My friend came to me, after some photoshop and I was shocked by the result.
My friend was in tears when he saw the photo.

blastman · 28-05-2007 12:09pm

Cheers lads, I have CS2 but no expertise! Or scanner, actually, although I did intend to buy one. Someone recommended a decent budget photo scanner here a while ago, I think, I must see if I can find it again.

Canonfan, I don't think I want to add colour!

I might take a snap of it to let people see the state it's in.

BrookieD · 28-05-2007 4:49pm

i sent you an email and maybe able to help

The Black Oil · 28-05-2007 4:52pm

Did a batch for my uncle's 50th just using PS CS2, nothing terribly fancy or for printing but enough to bring them around to being relatively decent. Good luck.

BostonB · 28-05-2007 11:49pm

I've an old scanner you can have for free if you can collect it in Dublin. Works on XP. Get you started anyways. Might aswell play with it in CS2. Its easy enough to do an ok job. Hard to do an amazing job.