By Allan Hatchell


Significant events would surely be remembered, and the best way of capturing them is by having images. These would serve as visual reminders that could even spur strong emotions connected to the events. Unfortunately, printed copies get damaged when subjected to several factors. There are many of them, and these may be air, liquid, or even time itself. This is where old photo restoration is very important.

The development of image making has its beginnings during the fifth century before Christ after which it has blown to full scale with technological advancements by early eighteenth century. Here, Daguerre formally introduced public use of cameras. These were not colored as what is available now but soon, with time, it became possible and copies of them could even be stored in other media.

The problem with old printed copies is that they get messed up with age. Unlike new methods that people get to use now, there are no digital back ups associated with it. However, there are a few several methods that can be employed to restore them.

Chemical means can be made to restore them. Here, certain fluids, chemicals and bleach are used. This would need an expert to do as there is direct contact of these substances to the print. Hardware that is capable of adjusting images may also be used. Science has afforded a more advance process of restoration with the use of nuclear and radioactive methods. However, this could not be employed as the costs associated with it is not practical.

There are several methods that can be done by anyone at home. The most practical of this would be to scan a copy and use Photoshop. Auto color correction can then be done. This will modify contrast and color. Edges can be sharpened by the auto sharpen function which makes them more defined.

What if a digital copy can easily get damaged and having a scan is not possible, one may ask. There is still a way that this could be done. Taking a picture of it with a digital camera at bright condition and highest quality available to the unit can give one a copy which could then be edited.

Photoshop does have many limits. The one click solutions it offer could only be used for those damages that are not so complicated to fix. However, for those with greater extent, other software could be used. This has more complicated functions and can be found in programs such as Clone Stamp and Healing Brush.

Old photo restoration should only be done if success can be ensured. However, for those that needs more than amateur restoration, it should be handled by image specialists. These are too precious to get damaged and once it does, no definite amount of processing can get it back to its former condition.




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