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removing creases and fold lines from B&W photos


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Posted

Hi there, I have a photo (see attached) with some bad creases, damage to the middle, and fold lines.  I've been trying to figure out how to best conceal OR remove them.
Tried using the clone stamp but it doesn't always help.  I also tried "surface blur" but wasn't sure if it was doing more harm than good.

Can anyone help?
Many thanx in advance
Kittylover

badly creased photo.jpg

Posted

If that is a digital photo of a real old photo you may get a better starting point by scanning the photo?
(assuming you have access to it).

It could be worth duplicating the layer, blurring the lower layer then erasing the creases (with a soft eraser) on the top layer?

Good luck... and don't accidentally erase the original! 😉

My quick try...

crumpled%20BW%20photo.png

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Red ochre Plugin pack.............. Diabolical Drawings ................Real Paintings

 

PdnForumSig2.jpg

Posted

I digitally scanned this photo. I don't know what year it was taken but my guess is the 1910s or 20s.  It was part of a scrapbook my late grandmother had.  
We managed to acquire it and I've been scanning old photos. 

Looks better! :)

Can you describe how to blur the lower layer?  I'm not too familiar with layering.

  • Solution
Posted

Perhaps try re-scanning with a weight on top of the photo... a book or something and a blanket over the scanner lid? The real problem is the shadows caused by the uneven surface. Scanning normally flattens these.


To read about layers press the F1 key or the help icon :Help: to get to the Pdn documentation regarding layers... a simple and useful concept, nothing to be afraid of!
The best way to learn is to practice and experiment... as long as you don't overwrite your original file there is nothing to lose... and you still have the original (real) photo anyway.
So...


1. open the image
2. Duplicate the layer - press this icon :LayersDuplicateLayer:at the bottom of the layers windows.
3. Uncheck the top layer (little box in the top R.H.S. of the layer in the layers window) so you can see what you are doing.
4. Make sure the lower layer is selected by clicking on it (makes it highlighted blue in the layers windows)
5. Click Effects/Blurs/Gaussian blur  and increase the radius control to about 25.
6. Click on the top layer and make it visible (that little R.H.S. box needs a tick) and selected.
7. Select the eraser tool and adjust the controls as per my screenshot. They're click and drag controls.
8. Erase along the crease lines - you can always undo if you get it wrong.:EditUndo:
9. When happy save as a .Pdn file then flatten and save in the file type you wish. Do not overwrite your original file!
10. Look at what you have done... is ok?... NO!... do it again, but better!... I'm kidding but 'practice makes perfect' and you will become more confident by repeating the process.😉👍


... You did ask ... and I'm sure there are better but more complex methods.

 

Removing the crease lines is relatively easy but the changes in tone from the uneven scan is harder to disguise.
The missing bits at the bottom can also be filled but may take a lengthier explanation.

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Red ochre Plugin pack.............. Diabolical Drawings ................Real Paintings

 

PdnForumSig2.jpg

Posted
6 hours ago, Red ochre said:

Press the F1 key or the help icon :Help: to get to the Pdn documentation...

...a simple and useful concept, nothing to be afraid of!

The best way to learn is to practice and experiment...

Look at what you have done... is ok?... NO!... do it again, but better!...

'Practice makes perfect' and you will become more confident by repeating the process.


@Red ochre Could you have some forum t-shirts made up please, each emblazoned with one of those lines. 😉

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