How to Cheat in Photoshop

» Forum Index » Image doctor » Topic: Help with restoration

Posted on 22/04/11 6:44:47 PM

Sheilsy
*
Posts: 16

Reply

Help with restoration

Hello all,

I am not a novice with Photoshop but lets say 'I am still in my formative stages'.......

I want to colour the attached picture, however before I start I want to adjust the settings as clearly it is over exposed, I have tried tinkering with the 'Levels' and the 'Curves' but cannot seem to get it right...... has anyone the time (or inclination) to help me get the image to an acceptable state, so I can then colorise it...

I, would really appreciate anyones advice on this matter, thank you

Peter

Posted on 22/04/11 7:13:05 PM

Paul 2011 onwards
*
Posts: 4

Reply

Re: Help with restoration

The whites are pure white with no detail in them Whatever you do you will not get any texture back in the highlights unless you can add it back manually.

You cannot colour white.

Best of luck with this one

Posted on 22/04/11 7:18:36 PM

Sheilsy
*
Posts: 16

Reply

Re: Help with restoration

Thanks Paul, so when you say manually I could I suppose put a shop sign on the white shop frontage (which I think is Marks & Spencers) and use burn? or dodge to add detail to the copper, although the windscreens on both the bike and car look as though they will be problematic........ mmmmm maybe im trying to run before I can walk......... but heh god loves a trier

_________________
Visit My Liverpool at
]http://www.my-liverpool.co.uk/

Posted on 22/04/11 10:33:40 PM

GKB
Magical Montagist
Posts: 3882

Reply

Re: Help with restoration

Hi Peter,

'Fraid I have to agree with Paul on this one. That's a classic example of a 'soot and whitewash' image. There are very few greys to work with to get any good colourisation going and the whites are totally blown. It can be worked on but the result will probably look awful. God might like a trier but even He knows when to give up.

_________________
You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.

Posted on 22/04/11 10:37:00 PM

Sheilsy
*
Posts: 16

Reply

Re: Help with restoration

I will bow to your greater knowledge (being a relative novice) but I have seen some amazing transformations completed in photoshop, surely this picture is not beyond it?

Posted on 23/04/11 6:04:56 PM

Nick Curtain
Model Master
Posts: 1768

Reply

Re: Help with restoration

Hi Peter
I copied the image and changed the blend to Multiply to see what could be retrieved. This approach does help with the mid / dark tones, but will not cure the blown whites. Paul and Gordon are right I'm afraid.
Nick

Posted on 26/04/11 6:20:40 PM

sutex
Specular Specialist
Posts: 157

Reply

Re: Help with restoration

Hi Peter,
I guess its Church Street in Liverpool.As been said the only way to get it right its adding details which are lost,one by one.Using old photos of this place or if you are local try to make your own ones as you can.Some of the buildings may be still there, background view etc.
You know its M&S and its good start

Just look at this one and that small roof among windows(left).
Good luck with this.

Tomasz

Posted on 27/04/11 6:10:20 PM

sutex
Specular Specialist
Posts: 157

Reply

Re: Help with restoration

Couldn't try this one and using the picture above I try to bring back this bad white spots.Generally the street look.Look good??-or- bad???

Posted on 27/04/11 9:23:41 PM

Sheilsy
*
Posts: 16

Reply

Re: Help with restoration

Thanks for your advice, yeah you are spot on it is Church Street, seems like I am trying to run before I can walk, this is certainly going to be a challenge for me......... will keep you posted, thanks for your interest

Posted on 28/04/11 01:52:45 AM

sutex
Specular Specialist
Posts: 157

Reply

Re: Help with restoration

yeah, it is challenge, you can ask Steve to post it for Friday Challenge , just to keep members busy