AboutSteve Pearson Expertise Try me for 35mm or darkroom issues. I am a professional photographer in Australia. I work solely in 35mm digital format, after 35 years of colour and monochrome film in many formats. I have darkroom experience and for many years belonged to my local camera club. I conduct photography workshops around the state on any and most subjects relating to photography and often judge photography exhibitions and competitions.
Experience I hold a Diploma of Applied Science in Forensic Investigation, with part of my studies involving photography. I spend most days with a camera and am into digital photography in a big way. I was given my first camera in 1965 and have not been without one since. I spent nearly 20 years as a forensic investigator with my state Police Force, and since retiring a couple of years ago have concentrated on commercial photography - especially weddings.
Expert: Steve Pearson Date: 7/21/2005 Subject: Making copies 3x5 photos from the mid 80's
Question Dear Steve,
I recently found some 3x5 pictures that were taken by a friend in the mid 80's while we were at their vacation spot. The photo are in very good shape. I want to make copies for a friend as some are of him his Dad and other family members. I want to know if I can make the pictures quality any better. In one picture For example a friend is on a hill, she is 3/16 inches high. Is it possible to bring out all the details in her. For example can you make her face clearer so you can see her smile, as well as bring out all the other details of her. How big can you make the picture. I want to make the pictures as big as I can, and still bring out all the details of th epictures discussed earlier. You input would be appreciaate on what kind of result I can expect.
I appreciate your help,
God Bless,
Donald Crosby Jr
Answer Hi Donald. Thanks for your question. Let me start my answer by saying that it is very rare to improve any shot from a hard copy, and wanting to take a 3/16" high figure and make it better is nigh impossible. The only way you will do any good is to firstly scan the photos, and run them through one of the Adobe Photoshop programmes to see what improvements can be made. If you are scanning, select a slightly higher resolution that normal - say 400dpi - and save the file as a TIFF file, not a JPEG. The TIFF will retain ALL the information from the scan and give greater clarity. I do a lot of restoration work and use these principles. You should be able to turn a 3"x5" photo into at least a 6"x10" or slightly larger. Don't expect miracles. You usually only get out of a computer what you put into it. Good luck.
Steve
