Remove Scratches

This Photoshop 911 reader writes:
"I want to remove scratches from the image and want to do retouching on the faces"
Let's look at some options...

This Photoshop 911 reader writes:
"I want to remove scratches from the image and want to do retouching on the faces"
Let's look at some options...

Patient: Sachin, India, Win 98 Photoshop 6.0

Clone Tool

1. Select the Cloning Tool (Tap "S")
   Observe in the Options bar at the top of the screen -- and set brush size to be approximately 2/3 the size of the Blemish you wish to remove. (Experiment with different sizes)
2. With ALT key down, observe the cursor changes to "selection" bullet, move to an area just to the side of the scratch or other discrepancy to be removed -- and click once. This designates the location from which you'll be "sampling" image pixels.
3. Release ALT key
4. Paint with clone tool across the discrepancy to be removed
5. Observe the Options bar at the top of the screen -- Set "Clone Aligned"
6. Observe as you paint, a 'location' cross-hair icon moves in parallel with your clone tool icon/cursor. This is where the tool is "sampling" from.

Experiment and change location of "sample" as well as brush size until you get the hang of it.

Method 2:

Many blemishes can be resolved with the Smudge tool. (Tap "R")

1. Observe the Options bar at the top of the screen -- Set the brush size as above,


2. "Smudge" or rub with the Smudge tool from an area of "good" pixels, over the area of "bad" pixels.


3. For small spots, and some scratches, this is easier than the cloning tool.

Method 3:

Least recommended, but handy

This is for backgrounds, large expansive areas of skin or flat smooth surfaces where all coloration is basically the same, or modeled to the point that the "Patch" will blend in.

1. Use the Lasso Tool (Tap "L") to make a rough selection around "good" pixels.


2. CHOOSE: Select > Feather


3. Set feather to 3 to 6 pixels (depending on the size of work area)


4. Tap "V" (to load the Move Tool) and


5. Hold in the ALT key to drag a "copy" of the selected pixels. This is now an active selection (Observe the racing ants) "PATCH" that you can move around into positions to patch over blemishes.


6. Repeat the ALT/Click/Drag to copy more patches and move them around other blemishes in areas with matching color background.

ALWAYS Practice first on a backup or duplicate layer of the file.

That's it in a nutshell.

Please keep us informed of progress.

Best regards,

The Photoshop 911 Rapid Response Team

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Comments

[Jeff C]

Excellent guide. Worked like a charm.

[chhama]

How can I color black and white photos to look like it was shot with a color film?