Rebuilding Memories

I was handed this 3X5 photograph of some old friends at a Christmas buffet, and I was asked to reproduce the image so it would look good hanging on a wall in an 8X10 frame. 

This project presented a couple of interesting challenges. First, the image itself is under-exposed, and not very good quality. Second, there was a lot of scratches and speckle (seen here). Another element I thought could be improved on was the gentleman in the red jacket. I thought it would look better if he was sitting closer to his friends.

In the first phase, I went through the image pixel by pixel, removing every speck and scratch. Then I cut out the gentleman in the red jacket and moved him closer to the group. This gave me an opportunity to crop off most of the background. 

I was not very happy with the background. It was too dark. So I decided to take the liberty of moving these friends to different settings. I thought I'd start with a nice Christmas buffet at the church. Now that looks a lot better to me. Oops! Should he be drinking a beer? What church is that?

I like this background because it could be anywhere. It could be a restaurant settings or a banquette hall. It could be the White House, though I doubt that you would be ordering a Hamm's beer in the White House.

 Looks good on any wall!

Services

If you have a photograph that you would like restored or edited, I'd be happy to discuss possibilities. As I am still learning this art, I look for projects that present a learning opportunity for me. If I don't accept your project, I will at least help you find someone capable or available to help you. I don't really have a fee schedule at this point, but gratuities are gladly accepted, and I am not opposed to bartering services. Send me an e-mail through my Contact Page. 

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