How to Do Photo Restoration Using Generative Fill in Photoshop Beta

Introduction

Photo restoration can often be a tedious task, especially when dealing with old photographs that have seen better days. Fortunately, with the introduction of generative fill in the new Photoshop beta, it's easier than ever to enhance and restore images. In this article, we will walk through a straightforward method to improve a damaged photo using these innovative tools.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Load the Photo and Identify Issues

Start by loading your old photograph into Photoshop Beta. You may notice various scratches, blemishes, or missing sections, such as a completely obliterated eye. Preparing your image for restoration involves identifying these problems clearly.

Step 2: Use the Lasso Tool for Selection

Utilize the lasso tool to carefully select each scratch on the photo. While this may initially seem time-consuming, you can save a considerable amount of time by doing it in advance. For the sake of efficiency, you can load the selection of all the scratches you made previously.

Step 3: Generative Fill

Once you have your selection ready, go to the Select menu and choose “Generative Fill.” Without needing to provide any prompts, click 'Generate.' The tool will attempt to fill in the selected areas intelligently based on the surrounding information. The results may be surprising and can often exceed expectations.

Step 4: Crop the Image

After addressing the scratches, you may want to adjust the framing of the photo. Use the crop tool to eliminate any unnecessary edges—especially if it’s a Polaroid style—and create a cleaner presentation. You can opt to leave a white border around the image for aesthetic purposes.

Step 5: Composite Layer Creation

Next, you’ll want to create a composite layer of your progress. On a Mac, use the shortcut Command + Option + Shift + E; on a PC, it’s Control + Alt + Shift + E. This new layer will contain all edits made thus far, allowing for easy reference to the original layers if further adjustments are needed.

Step 6: Apply Neural Filters for Enhancement

With the new composite layer selected, navigate to the Filter menu and choose Neural Filters. Here, select the Photo Restoration filter to polish the image further. You can crank up the scratch reduction, even if it doesn't need much, and improve overall photo enhancement settings. Tweak the face details to enhance the rendered output further.

Step 7: Review and Finalize

Once you are satisfied with the refinements, click OK to apply the changes. You’ll notice a dramatic transformation from the original to the enhanced image. This simple yet effective restoration can be achieved in a matter of seconds.

Summary of Techniques

Utilizing the tools and functions within Photoshop Beta not only saves time but also provides impressive outcomes in photo restoration. The application of the lasso tool, generative fill for healing, cropping techniques, composite layers, and neural filters can significantly revive old photographs, returning them to their former glory.

Keywords

• Generative fill
• Photo restoration
• Lasso tool
• Scratch reduction
• Neural filters
• Composite layer
• Photoshop Beta

FAQ

Q1: What is generative fill in Photoshop Beta?
A1: Generative fill is a feature in the new Photoshop Beta that uses AI to intelligently fill selected areas in an image based on the surrounding content.

Q2: How long does it typically take to restore an old photo using these techniques?
A2: The restoration process can be completed in a matter of minutes, especially with the help of generative fill, which significantly reduces the time spent on manual corrections.

Q3: Can I use these methods to enhance other types of images besides old photographs?
A3: Yes, while the techniques are particularly effective for photo restoration, they can also be applied to enhance various types of images with issues such as blemishes or unwanted objects.

Q4: Do I need extensive photo editing skills to use Photoshop Beta’s generative fill?
A4: Not necessarily. Basic familiarity with Photoshop tools will enable you to effectively use generative fill and other features, even for beginners in photo editing.