Retouching Images
Bringing beauty back to images that were forgotten
Overview
Photographs are snapshots of memories that are frozen in time. Yet, many of these moments, especially older physical prints, have not aged well. From water damage and fading to rips, tears, and creases, these imperfections often take away from the emotional value of the image. This project aimed to showcase our ability to restore/retouch three selected images, using professional tools and creative techniques to bring them back to life, preserving both the historical time and the details in depth.
Initial iteration- Bay image
Second iteration- Rock Climber
Final iteration- Grandma's Wedding
Design process
Initial iteration
This project began with lessons on how to use new tools properly, including the blur, stamp, dodge, and burn tools in Photoshop. For our first image, we were tasked with practicing precision while making subtle updates to improve the image while maintaining a historic feel. I began by straightening and cropping the image to balance and align it properly.
From there, I repaired noticeable rips and tears along the edges, using the stamp tool to seamlessly blend in surrounding areas. To enhance the composition, I recolored the water and intensified the boats in the background using the burn and dodge tools. The result was a more vivid and impressive image that retained its nostalgic feel while appearing refreshed and revived.
2nd iteration
After learning about new tools and how to use them properly, the second task allowed for more creative freedom. We were provided with a new image and asked to improve it without compromising its original essence. I envisioned a scene where this rock climber was trying to reach a cliff where she could rest and this water fall essentially flowed with life and color. To execute this, I applied a black gradient to introduce a moody, black-and-white base.
Then, through masking and inversion techniques, I blended in a waterfall image, creating the illusion of water cascading into the frame. I retained the natural color in the waterfall, rocks, and moss to suggest that life and hope were projecting from the water source. With the use of the dodge and burn tools, I highlighted texture and moisture on the rocks, adding realism and depth. Finally, I used the stamp tool to clean up distracting blemishes and marks to ensure the composition felt polished and intentional.
Final iteration
For the final part of this project, we had the opportunity to choose our own images to retouch and restore. I selected a deeply personal photograph: my grandmother on her wedding day. Though the photo did not have much water damage, it bore the marks of age with creases that dulled its elegance. This final restoration was as much about emotion as it was about technique. Using the stamp tool, I carefully worked across the image smoothing out creases without messing with facial features or important details. This restoration wasn’t just about fixing an image—it was about honoring a moment in family history and preserving its beauty for future generations.