Reducing Noise (A Layers Issue?)

[Seanerin72]

Hello all,

Let me begin by saying I am a beginning photoshop user. Currently I am working on a photo project in memory of my mom. I am stuck on one photo!

My first layer was a background copy. I used a smart filter and used unsharp mask to ease the blur.

To further work on the blur, I opened another layer. This time I made a copy of the previous smart filter layer. Here, I used high pass and soft light to do a bit more to reduce image blur.

Now, I would like to work on reducing noise and scratches in the image but I am not sure if I should copy the "high pass layer" and work on that or is there a more effective way to do this. I like to make edits on separate layers.

Your help is appreciated. Thank you.

Sean

 

[IamSam]

Hello and welcome to PSG.

Without seeing the image, it's difficult to offer advice since so much of editing is based on the individual image. You really can't apply the same techniques to all images.

Now, I would like to work on reducing noise

How do you plan on doing this? There are many ways to accomplish this, I have found that the native noise reduction filter in Ps works very well.

Now, I would like to work on reducing scratches

Create a new empty layer and use the Clone Stamp Tool (or any of the healing, patching tools, etc.,)

 

[Seanerin72]

Thank you so much for the response. In the past I have used the dust and scratches filter (under noise) to eliminate/reduce the presence of scratches in old photos. It has been more effective as a holistic approach than clone stamp, healing, etc. BUT when I have used it in the past, I have used the dust/scratches filter on the very first layer (usually a copy of the background).

With the pic I am currently working on, I am already three layers into the project, so I don't know how to apply the dust/scratches layer. Again, thank you so much.

 

[Seanerin72]

Here is the original (an old 70s polaroid) and where I am currently. My mom is on the left. I should note that my mom passed away recently so this project is very important to me. While I am a photoshop novice, I am trying my best to restore some of her old photos.