Assignment 1 / Restoration

project image example: image example
project check-list:

What To Turn In:

You will turn in a total of 8 images
1 printed and mounted image (8.5" x 11" @ 300ppi, mounted on matte board)

Place all images and sub folders in a main folder called:

lastname_a1

How to name your files:

For your image:

Create a sub folder called: lastname_image1
lastname_scan-1.tif
lastname_restore-1.psd
lastname_tint-1.psd
lastname_paint-1.psd
lastname_tile-1.psd

lastname_a1_print.tif

For your 2nd image:

Create a sub folder called: lastname_image2
lastname_scan-2.tif
lastname_restore-2.psd

 

 

Selecting an image:

Please bring at least 2 black and white images to class. These need to be prints, not negatives. And they need to be black and white - or sepia toned, and not full color. The degree of damage needs to also be manageable. Please do not select an image where half the face of the subject is missing. That will be far too difficult for you to correct. If the paper has a deep texture, please avoid working with it. If you have any questions, bring the image in to class and ask me.

If you would rather scan the images at home (preventing further damage by bringing them to class), you are welcome to do so. Please refer to the following scanning specifications. Save the scanned image to a USB drive and bring to class.

Scanning Specifications:

Scan your images in RGB color mode.
300 dpi / ppi
with the output size at 8.5" x 11" (target size)
the number of pixels will be about 2400 x 3000

Your original image may be larger or smaller than 8"x10". Simply adjust your Target Size to fit the above specified parameters.

Format: TIF, No Compression, click "windows" option

Name your scan as: lastname_scan-1.tif

Finding an image Online

In some instances, students do not have access to old family photos.
In those cases:

  1. Your instructor has a local database of images for you to use
  2. You may search online for High-Res images (2400 x 3000) that are Fair Use

 

 

In Photoshop:

This image will be saved as: lastname_scan-1.tif
Rename this image as: lastname_restore-1.psd

Rename the background layer as: original
Create a copy of that layer, rename: restore
Begin your restoration process on the new copied layer.
Lock the original layer to prevent making changes to it.


Restoring:

Open the scan file and save before beginning work:
Save As: lastname_restore-1.psd

Rename the Background Layer as: "original" and put a lock on it (find the lock icon in the layers panel. This will prevent you from editing or moving the layer.

Copy this layer and rename: "restore". All stamping and healing tools will be used on this layer.

You will work with adjustment layers: Black & White (to remove color)
Curves (at the end of your work-flow, to increase white or black, mids, or contrast)

Save to update any changes.

Color:

Duplicate and Rename the Restore file:

Open the file: lastname_restore-1.psd

Save As: lastname_tint-1.psd (uncheck the "Layers" box)

Before you start adding color, check to see if your image has been flattened.
Do you see just one layer?
If yes, then you are now ready to add color to your photo.
If no, then you will have to flatten the image file from the Layers menu.

Apply one color to the image (2 colors max)

Use any of the following techniques: B&W adjustment layer, Hue/Saturation adjustment layer, Color Fill adjustment layer / Blend Mode (or Layer Style - Color Overlay / Blend Mode), DuoTone.

 

Painting:

Open the file: lastname_restore-1.psd

Save As: lastname_paint-1.psd

Before you start adding color, check to see if your image has been flattened.
Do you see just one layer?
If yes, then you are now ready to add color to your photo.
If no, then you will have to flatten the image file from the Layers menu.

Double Click the background layer and rename: restored
Choose a color from the swatches or color picker. Then select an adjustment layer for "solid color" or "color fill". Invert the mask (in the mask panel or with cmd i. You should see that your mask has changed from white to black). Select a paint brush with a 0% hardness edge (very soft) and paint with white so that the color is revealed in your image (you are painting on the mask using white / revealing the adjustment)

When the color is completed, place color layers in groups. (a group is the folder icon. a quick method: click on the top layer, hold the shift key - click on the last color layer. hold shift and then click the folder icon in the layers panel. All of the selected layers should have been "grouped" together).
You need at least 1 group. You could have more that organizes based on either a face, or clothing, or background.


Creating Tiled Images:

This process can be achieved using Bridge

All 4 images (scan, restore, tint, paint) will be combined into one 8.5" x 11" @ 300 ppi

Use Bridge: Menu Bar > Tools > Photoshop > Contact Sheet II
Layout: image placement: across first (by row), columns 2, rows 2, Use Auto-Spacing
(Layers: if you want to move anything around or transform, keep Layers)

It is your option if you use the file name or not. I will show you how to use your own text instead: "original", "restored", "one color tint", "custom full color"

Save as: lastname_tile-1.psd (option: to save as layers with text)

 

The 2nd Image

Scan 2 images. Restore both images. BUT your 2nd image will not go through the entire workflow for this assignment. It is up to which image you decide of the 2 will essentially be "rejected" from the workflow.

 

Print:

LINK to the Print Workflow instructions

Choose 1 digital image from all of the images that you worked on for image #1.
Take this selected image file through the "print work-flow".
Save this image as: lastname_a1_print.tif (no layers, no compression).

Print this final image to a Canon Ink Jet printer. 8.5" x 11" @ 300 dpi, Adobe RGB color

Mount this print on 11" x 14" board using the hot press method.
LINK to the Mounting instructions

Print on the Laser printer: the Scan file / OR the Original Restore Layer. This is considered a "Proof" and is a free print. Print your name with pen or pencil in the bottom right corner of the Proof print.

Hang both images (side-by-side) in the Hallway for display.

 

 

What To Turn In:

You will turn in a total of 8 digital image files
1 printed and mounted restored, tinted or painted image (8.5" x 11" @ 300dpi)
1 laser print of the scan (write name in the bottom right corner)

Place all images and sub folders in a main folder called:

lastname_a1

How to name your files:

For your 1st image:

Create a sub folder called: lastname_image1
lastname_scan-1.tif
lastname_restore-1.psd
lastname_tint-1.psd
lastname_paint-1.psd
lastname_tile-1.psd

lastname_a1_print.tif

For your 2nd image:

Create a sub folder called: lastname_image2
lastname_scan-2.tif
lastname_restore-2.psd

 

Restoration Links

Video
How obsessive artists colorize old photos

examples:
examples of restoration of severly damaged photos on Peta Pixel


Reddit users colorizing old photos
:
on Petal Pixel blog
on Reddit

tutorials: (not mine)
step by step colorization method

on Peta Pixel - more links about the above tutorial and its contibutor

Artist Links (examples)

Jordan Lloyd - (instagram)
Mads Madsen (zuzahin)
Marina Amaral
Dana Keller
Patty Allison (imbued with hues)