Choose the next move
Use conservative cleanup for an archive and a separate labeled creative version for a gift or animation. Do not overwrite the family’s only master.
Clarity and resolution
Prepare an old photo scan before enhancement
Start with a clean, evenly lit scan and keep an untouched master. Clarity enhancement is different from repairing tears or recovering a historically accurate missing face.
You choose your own source and review the current cost before generation.
A situation you may recognize
The scan contains both paper texture and a scratch across a face.
Keep an untouched archive scan and work on a copy. Document any reconstructed face area separately from ordinary contrast changes. The enhancer is not an evidence-based restoration service and cannot establish what was hidden beneath the scratch.
Locate the problem before editing
The examples show texture inspection only, not restored archival photographs. Compare every identity detail with the original before sharing a reconstruction.
Work through a practical example
Make the first version
Check the scan for glare, dust and motion before enhancement. Correct the capture first if those defects hide information. Keep a record of cropping, tonal changes and any generated reconstruction, then compare the face and clothing with the untouched scan.
Have these ready
Keep the original print safe and make a full scan including the border. Save a separate working copy before cleanup.
02
Look closely at the examples
Why consider this directionThis fictional vintage-style example illustrates what to preserve when preparing a scan and archive copy.
Check before choosingKeep borders, marks and context in the master. This is a teaching asset, not a verified family restoration case.
Why consider this directionThe closer view enlarges part of the same image for inspection; it is not a separate enhanced result.
Check before choosingKeep borders, marks and context in the master. This is a teaching asset, not a verified family restoration case.
Try this before committing
Keep the whole print in the first scan, including its border, then make a separate working crop. Avoid strong glare and do not overwrite the master. Record any reconstructed version separately so it is not confused with the original historical image.
Enhance my photo ↗Questions for this project
Should I crop away handwritten notes?
Save them in the archive even if the display copy omits them. Names, dates and studio marks may provide context that image enhancement cannot recreate reliably. Photograph the reverse separately and keep it linked to the same record.
When you have chosen a direction
Enhance my photo ↗Photo guidesContent reviewed: