Photo Scan, Restoration, and Glass Removal
Background/Context
Role: Head Digital Artist & Retouching Specialist
Tools Used: Epson V700, Photoshop
Company: Omega Photo
Overview
This project involved scanning and restoring a photograph that had been adhered to a piece of glass. Because part of the image was stuck directly to the glass, removing it would have caused permanent damage to the photograph. The goal was to safely digitize and restore the image while avoiding any further harm to the original.
Process
Initial Scan and Assessment
The photograph was adhered to glass, with the attachment strongest toward the bottom of the image. Since removing the photo would risk tearing the ink from the paper, I scanned the image with the glass still attached.
Unfortunately, the glass cut directly across the woman’s face, which made restoration especially challenging, as facial details are difficult to reconstruct convincingly.
Stitching and Restoration
Using Photoshop, I stitched the two scans together to create a single image without the glass obstructing key areas. Once the composite was complete, I proceeded with standard restoration work, cleaning up the image and improving overall clarity while preserving its original character.
Results and Reflection
The final restored image successfully removed the visual obstruction caused by the glass and allowed the photograph to be preserved digitally without damaging the original. This project highlights my ability to adapt to unusual physical limitations, collaborate with teammates to find safe solutions, and apply technical problem-solving to protect irreplaceable materials.