1. Open the channels palette and selected Split Channels. Then used my judgment for the best channel to use for beginning image retouching. Picking a specific channel often helps to get rid of color stains and find the best contrast.

2. adjusted levels and curves attempting to improve contrast.

3. cloned out most of the more obvious spots alternating the clone tool mode of Normal, Darken and Lighten. Darken to clone out the white spots and Lighten to get the dark spots. These modes really help contain the cloning to the actual spots.

4. Duplicated the image and applied a light gausian blur to soften some of the remaining harsh markings and blemishes. Then added a layer mask and painted back the important details: eyes and lips, buttons, scroll work in the paper frame, etc.

5. Finally, flattened the image and again created a duplicate layer. Changed the duplicate layer mode to Multiply, which further enhanced the contrast.

Most all these steps could be used with varying degrees of intensity for the best effect.



original photo posted by Nuyah