Hi Vicki

I thought I'd try and help you out a bit on this one too.

The other guys are right in what they were saying about the clone tool being a fantastic little tool for fixing most defects, and with a bit of practice it soon becomes easy to master.

But this is quite a tricky image to edit, simply because the scratches and tears are going across key features on the face.

I think Bob has done a great job with his edit, although the nose just isn't quite right for me. She looks like she's just gone a couple of rounds with Mike Tyson, lol but I can absolutely understand how tricky this part was to fix, having had a go myself

Bazza, you've used 4 different programs to create this edit, and although you've got rid of the unwanted artifacts, you've also got rid of anything else in the picture that was worth keeping.

Look at her eyes! They're absolutely gorgeous in the original shot, and are one of the main reasons this picture is worth saving, yet in your edit, you've completely destroyed any detail that was left, and in doing so, you've lost the very essence and soul of the picture. You have to way up what's better, a damaged picture that still maintains it's original character, or an edit that is clear of any artifacts, but loses it's most important attributes along the way.

I've had a go at it myself, using only 1 program ( photoshop ) and using only 1 tool ( clone tool ).
The other example is just a black and white variation.

Original


Lightened


Black & White

Great job MD

MD

I know I admit my effort wasn't that good. As long as others can produce a better repair job then thats all that matters

Bazza

Hi Bazza

I never said it wasn't good, On the contrary. You've done really really well in repairing the damage, and I'm sorry if I offended you. It wasn't my intention.

I just think that the loss of detail in your edit distracts from the good work you've done, and it compromises the edit somewhat.

And you did say it was "just a start for someone else to continue with"...the problem being, that it would in fact be easier to start again from scratch than to try and recover the lost detail in your edit.

My version isn't perfect either. I spent around 20 minutes on it last night, but looked at it again this morning and can see a whole host of things that I could and should have fixed better.

And Vikki, you mentioned trying to get the skin tones and lighting right.

Are you trying to add colour to the image?

MD

You didn't offend me, in fact completely the opposite, I welcome any comments about my work

Bazza

Thanks for your reply! And great job!

I wasnt trying to add colour, just couldnt quite perfect the nose/upper lip area where the crease went straight through. Also where the bridge of the nose is highlighted.

I have been trying to concentrate on getting shots right first time with the camera and was going to start looking into photoshop in more depth when I feel I have really cracked it

It is such a beautiful picture, would you mind if I showed the gentleman your efforts? I am sure he will be very impressed (He didnt believe it could be done )

Vikki

If that was directed to me Vikki, then by all means use it. I did it for you to have

(And you don't need to tell him it was me either) lol

I don't think he would believe me if I said it was mine
Thank you!!

Yes, same with me. I also used the clone tool but have tried also combining the different tools.