AboutScott Valentine Expertise Most anything about digital post processing (Photoshop, etc), effects, and image restoration, some technical information about digital imaging systems, light and electron microscopy, optical physics and image analysis. I can help with shooting basics, lighting setups, and getting the most out of your digital camera. I am also an 'expert' here for Photoshop (Computers/Technology > Software > Graphics Software > Photoshop).
Please - NO operating, trouble-shooting, or purchase questions on point-and-shoot or video cameras.
Experience Author, "Real World Compositing with Photoshop CS4" (available January 2009 from Peachpit.com). I've been an image analyst and advanced amateur photographer for over 6 years. I run an Adobe user group, focusing on digital media, and have lectured on digital image capture systems. Currently, I am an administrator for a rather large instructional Photoshop forum
Organizations Adobe User Groups, National Association of Photoshop Professionals, Advanced Imaging Specialists
Publications CommunityMX.com, Real World Compositing with Photoshop CS4 (Adobe Press)
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Physics, University of California, San Diego
Awards and Honors Winner: Best in Show and several category first place awards - Imaging Professionals of the Southwest Print Competition (multiple years)
Question Hi Scott, I recently printed some pictures that were stored in my computer from my digital camera. The problem is when the pictures came out, they were al blurry. I almost had a heart attack because they were pictures from my children when they were babies. Is there something I can do to repair the images?
Answer Hi Elsa,
Let me express my sympathy for your plight - it's never fun to discover treasured pictures have problems!
Without seeing the degree of blur, I can't really tell you if there's any hope or not. Typically, only very minor blurring issues can be corrected, and even then, it's not perfect. If there is anything more than a few pixels, there's not much you can do.
One suggestion would be to take the images on the card or a CD to a professional photo finishing studio or professional retouching service. They will at least be able to tell you if the images can be recovered or not. It's likely that you won't be able to do much on your own, so be prepared if they tell you they can do it for a price (which is usually not insignificant, depending on the corrections).
There is a chance that there is simply a problem with your printer itself. Try cleaning it, and making sure the ink and paper are meant to work together. If the images look good on your screen, but print out with odd, blocky patches, then you are either trying to print them too large or there's a problem with your printer software. If you are sure the size is not too large, try looking for new software from your printer manufacturer.
Another option is to print the images smaller - this can help hide the blur or blocky look.
Let me know if this works for you - if not, please post a sample image that is not printing correctly, and describe exactly the blur or issues you are seeing.
