Photo Restoration Project
Last month we remembered my grandfather’s sudden passing. It was a bitter-sweet moment, bitter, because each of us knew the family will never be the same again. On the other hand, however, it is good to know that everyone seems to have come to terms with the loss.
The day before my flight back to Montreal, my grandmother asked if I can find someone to restore an old wedding photo of theirs. I thought about having it done by a professional, but changed my mind, I realized that I wanted to take on the project myself. I started the process as soon as I came back, but it was too painful and my emotions got the best of me so I had to stop. I didn’t touch the file for months. I hated looking at it because every time I did, I cried.
I don’t know what happened, but when I turned my computer on this morning, it felt like my mind was on auto-pilot. Before I know it, I was half-way through the restoration. And it was turning out pretty darn good. My grandmother didn’t have any other copy, aside from the wood-laminated one hanging on their bedroom wall, so the image above is a photo of a photo.
The original image had some major stains, so I decided it would be best to convert it to black and white during restoration. It wasn’t an easy task, and the outcome is definitely not perfect. But I did it, and I am absolutely happy with the final image.
Mar 18, 2013 @ 18:27:59
Wow, the restoration turned out great!
Mar 18, 2013 @ 22:09:21
Thanks! I really am very happy (oh and proud too
)with how it turned out 
Mar 11, 2013 @ 17:55:45
A beautiful couple and a great restoration
Mar 11, 2013 @ 21:41:15
Thanks Marcel!
Mar 11, 2013 @ 08:43:12
Worth every moment you spent – they are a lovely couple and it will be a big solace for your grandmother to have.
Mar 11, 2013 @ 09:28:55
Thank you
Mar 11, 2013 @ 07:13:55
Great job Gracie! Your grandmother and your family will treasure it forever
Mar 11, 2013 @ 09:29:33
Thank you, Norma
Mar 10, 2013 @ 23:18:12
i love the photo.. what a wonderful couple.. but i have a question gracie, is it easy to make it into colored? altho the b & w seems perfect already.. but i’m a bit curious though.
Mar 11, 2013 @ 09:41:26
Thank you, Elizz! I guess it all depends on the quality of the original file that you are working on. I tried to do this one in color, but it didn’t look right the first time. It will also take a lot longer because the skin tone need to be blended carefully so that it won’t look blotchy.
Mar 10, 2013 @ 21:43:54
A work of love. May the Lord comfort you in your loss.
Mar 11, 2013 @ 09:28:35
Thank you, Charis. It was indeed a labor of love
Mar 10, 2013 @ 21:41:32
I’ve recently begun going through old family photographs, and you’re right, it does bring out many emotions. There was a picture of my mother as a teeny girl sitting on the front steps, and the way she had her hands clasped eagerly in her lap almost broke my heart. Your restoration is beautiful, maybe you’ve found a new calling!
Mar 11, 2013 @ 09:27:51
Thank you, Elisa. My mother has been keeping old photos of them when they were kids, I think I am going to try and restore those ones too
Mar 10, 2013 @ 20:51:59
Beautiful job, Gracie! I am sure your grandmother will treasure this image.
Mar 10, 2013 @ 21:38:05
Thank you, Ruth!
Mar 10, 2013 @ 20:24:48
Congratulations, job well done. I’m sure that it was an emotional process, but look what you’ve accomplished for your family.
Mar 10, 2013 @ 21:37:41
Thank you, Sally! It was an emotional process, but it was well worth it.
Mar 10, 2013 @ 20:21:34
You did a beautiful job Gracie!
Mar 10, 2013 @ 21:36:26
Thank you, Bonnie
Mar 10, 2013 @ 20:06:24
Wonderful, Gracie. I know we enjoy the inner workings of photography, but the stories and moments are what it’s all about.
Mar 10, 2013 @ 20:18:57
Thank you, Beth. You are absolutely right. These are the reasons why we got into photography in the first place
Mar 10, 2013 @ 20:01:34
You did a great job with the restoration. Your grandmother will be very happy and proud.
P.S. We also have those laminated photos at home.
Mar 10, 2013 @ 20:17:06
Thanks Imelda. I hope so
Mar 10, 2013 @ 19:03:36
Terrific job on this, Gracie. I’ve tried my hand at this and I know how difficult it can be. I have a lot of respect for those that do this work well. The original may have been hand-colored, making this an even more difficult process.
Mar 10, 2013 @ 19:11:28
Thank you, Ken. I couldn’t tell if it was hand-colored, but you may be right since this is over 35 years old and has survived at least 3 major floods.
Mar 10, 2013 @ 18:32:39
Yes, why take it anywhere…girl you have mad skills! I am very sorry for your loss….it is sad we have to lose the ones we love so dearly.
Mar 10, 2013 @ 18:50:01
Thank you, Laurie.
Mar 10, 2013 @ 18:23:24
Wow .. That looks great… Well done!
Mar 10, 2013 @ 18:47:56
Thanks, Sayvan!
Mar 10, 2013 @ 17:35:56
I think it look fabulous. How did your grandmother like it?
Mar 10, 2013 @ 17:37:31
Actually she hasn’t seen it yet. I am having it printed tomorrow and will send it to her via courier.
She lives in the Philippines, so it’ll probably take a while before she gets to see it
Mar 10, 2013 @ 17:33:29
Beautiful work!
Mar 10, 2013 @ 17:36:16
Thank you