Photo restoration is an artistic technique for repairing and restoring old or damaged photographs. Previously, restoring old photos required a great deal of expertise, but today’s sophisticated software can make photo retouching a breeze. Scratches and blemishes can be easily removed, and the vibrant colors of the original image can be restored.
When the lighting in the shot is too dim or someone’s eyes are glowing bright red, retouched photos can make a big difference. Today, almost every computer comes with digital photo restoration software that allows you to touch up your photos. By selecting “quick fix” and tweaking the result if necessary, even novices can restore a digital photograph in minutes.
Most graphic artists are experts at restoring photos, and some photographs require a picture fix that necessitates professional assistance. A skilled graphic artist can retouch photos to remove unwanted subjects or add natural-looking color to a black-and-white image. In a photographic portrait, professional graphic artists frequently use an airbrushing technique to soften skin tone and remove wrinkles and blemishes. A professional photo restoration can make a model appear thinner, tanner, bustier, or even change the color of her eyes.
Graphic artists who specialize in difficult photo restoration projects where large portions of the photograph are damaged or missing are also available. The artist will scan the old photograph and create a digital copy, which will usually be in jpeg format. The faded areas are then enhanced, blemishes are erased, and damaged areas are restored using professional software such as Adobe® PhotoShop® and Adobe® Illustrator®. After that, the improved photograph is printed on photographic paper, and the damaged photograph is returned to the client.
Sometimes a sentimental value exists in an old photograph that can’t be replaced a digital image fix. Manual photo restoration techniques are still used some photo restoration experts. Many fine art galleries hire these creative people to work on restoring antique photographs and tintypes.
Fixing old photos hand is a time-consuming process. First, the gallery-quality photo restoration artist will clean and repair any torn areas of the photograph. To reduce the appearance of cracks and creases, the paper can be pressed for a short period of time. The damaged areas are then retouched with a fine painter’s hand, with special attention to color and lighting matching the original. Depending on the extent of the damage, a photo restorer can often significantly improve an old photograph.