AI Photo Restoration - Upscaling and Colorizing

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the restoration process of a low-resolution image, focusing on upscaling and colorizing techniques using AI tools and Photoshop. The original image is a modest 512 by 512 pixels, not offering much detail for a high-quality output. However, with the right approach, we can enhance its appearance significantly.

Step 1: Upscaling the Image

The initial step involves upscaling the image using an online tool, dgb.lol, which enhances the resolution and allows for better examination of fine details. After the upscaling process, we can compare the original image with the enhanced version:

• Original Image: The lower resolution makes it susceptible to pixelation when zoomed in.
• Upscaled Image: The new image displays a much clearer and more detailed representation, although there are some issues with eye detailing resulting from the upscaling process, particularly in one eye's white section.

With the upscaled image in hand, we will move on to enhancing the overall clarity and brightness while supporting the natural shadowing and gradient of the image.

Step 2: Cleaning the Image

Using Photoshop, we can improve the image by removing distracting corner elements with the Remove Tool and the Lasso Tool. This step helps create a cohesive background. After making these adjustments, we can see a noticeable improvement in the image quality.

Next, we apply Photoshop's Shadows and Highlights adjustment, which allows us to enhance the brightness and clarity without losing important details in the highlights. By fine-tuning these settings, we aim to achieve a natural and balanced image, preparing it for colorization.

Step 3: Colorizing the Image

For colorization, we will first use Adobe's Neural Filters. While this tool can produce good results, it sometimes leads to an overly tinted appearance. Thus, we’ll save the colorized version as a new layer, preserving the integrity of the original black and white image.

Next, we explore the website Palette FM, which provides various filters for colorizing images. The results vary, with 'Base Palette' appearing to offer the most natural skin tones. A careful comparison of the outputs from both Adobe and Palette FM will allow us to choose the best colorized version.

After determining the preferred colorization, we paste the color data onto our high-resolution version of the image. Here, we adjust the overlay mode to 'Color' and refine the image by cropping it, ensuring the subject remains well-centered.

Conclusion

The restoration process has proven successful; the figure now appears much more vibrant and engaging. This journey of enhancing a simple low-resolution image reveals the potential of utilizing AI technologies and Photoshop tools to achieve a remarkable outcome.

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Keywords

• AI Photo Restoration
• Image Upscaling
• Colorizing
• Photoshop
• Neural Filters
• Palette FM
• Shadows and Highlights
• Image Clarity
• Black and White Image

FAQ

Q1: What is AI photo restoration?
A: AI photo restoration refers to the use of artificial intelligence tools to enhance and improve the quality of images, particularly those that are low in resolution.

Q2: How does upscaling an image work?
A: Upscaling an image involves increasing its resolution using algorithms that predict and reconstruct missing data, resulting in a clearer image.

Q3: What tools are recommended for colorizing black and white images?
A: Both Adobe Neural Filters and online platforms like Palette FM can effectively colorize black and white images, each producing different stylistic results.

Q4: Why is it important to adjust shadows and highlights?
A: Adjusting shadows and highlights enhances the overall brightness and clarity of the image without losing detail, creating a more natural-looking result.

Q5: Can I make edits in Photoshop without affecting the original image?
A: Yes, by working with layers in Photoshop, you can make edits non-destructively, preserving the original image data for future adjustments.