How To Restore Old Photos With Photoshop by Hand Bonus Enhancing it with AI (2023)

Introduction

Restoring old photographs can be a rewarding and fulfilling process that allows you to preserve beloved memories. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the various steps involved in restoring old photos using Photoshop, from capturing the original image to enhancing it with artificial intelligence (AI). By the end, you'll have the knowledge to undertake your own photo restoration projects.

Step 1: Preparing the Original Image

The first step in the restoration process is to obtain the original image. To achieve a professional look that resembles a scanned photograph rather than a snapshot from your phone, you’ll need to crop and adjust the image using Photoshop's tools.

Cropping and Perspective Adjustment

1. Open Your Image: Launch Photoshop and load the photo you want to restore.
2. Select the Crop Tool: Press C to activate the crop tool.
3. Use the Perspective Warp Tool: This tool is designed to transform three-dimensional photographs into two-dimensional images. Select the corners of the image to align them correctly and press Enter. If adjustments are needed, press Ctrl + Z to revert and try again until you achieve satisfactory alignment.

Step 2: Repairing Damage

Repairing the photo is often straightforward if it’s not significantly damaged. Follow these steps:

1. Create a New Layer: This keeps your original image intact while you work on repairs.
2. Select Healing Tools: Use the Clone Stamp tool or the Healing Brush tool to fix imperfections. Hold Alt to select the source of pixels you want to copy. Pay careful attention to the original lines and shapes; this is crucial for maintaining the photo's integrity.

During this process, the goal is to maintain a consistent look, following the natural lines of the image.

Utilizing Adjustment Layers

Adjustment layers are indispensable in Photoshop, especially when restoring images. The Curves adjustment layer is one of the most useful, helping correct color, tone, and other elements in the photo. Adjust curves to eliminate stains, reflections, and shadows that may have been caused during the original photography process.

Step 3: Detail Restoration

After addressing major imperfections, focus on restoring finer details.

1. Use Masks: Create masks on your new layers to isolate areas needing restoration.
2. Layer Refinement: Use a combination of the Brush, Clone Stamp, and Healing Brush tools to carefully refine features. Constantly refer back to the original photo for accuracy, especially for facial features, as small changes can significantly affect the final image.

Step 4: Final Adjustments and Adding Texture

Once you’ve repaired the critical areas:

1. Adjust Lighting and Color: Use the Camera Raw filter to enhance exposure and detail in the image.
2. Apply Texture: Search online for suitable fabric textures to overlay on clothing. Import the texture, match its size and shape to the suit in the photo, and apply it selectively with masks for authenticity.

Step 5: Enhancing with AI

Finally, to polish your restored photo, you can utilize AI tools.

1. Upload to an AI Enhancer: Use a specialized tool to enhance the photo. Experiment with various settings to find the best appearance.
2. Incorporate AI elements selectively: Make the enhanced AI layer partially transparent or mask it where necessary to maintain a natural look throughout the image.

Conclusion

After restoring and enhancing the photo with AI, you will be able to compare the restored image with the original, showcasing a significant transformation. Although it’s challenging to achieve a 100% authentic recreation, devoting time and attention to detail will lead to a greatly improved final result.

Keyword

• Photo Restoration
• Photoshop
• Cropping
• Perspective Warp Tool
• Clone Stamp
• Healing Brush
• Adjustment Layers
• Curves
• AI Enhancement

FAQ

1. What tools do I need to restore a photo in Photoshop?
You need the Crop Tool, Perspective Warp Tool, Clone Stamp Tool, Healing Brush Tool, and Adjustment Layers like Curves for color correction and enhancement.

2. Can I use AI tools for photo restoration?
Yes, AI tools can be used for enhancement after the main restoration process, helping to add detail and polish to your work.

3. How do I ensure the restored image retains natural features?
Constantly reference the original photo while working, and apply adjustments selectively with brushes and masks to avoid unnatural sharpness.

4. Is it possible to achieve a perfect restoration?
While achieving a perfect restoration is challenging, paying attention to details and refining areas patiently will yield high-quality results.