Gordy, Chris, Malcolm, Bob and others have added a new dimension to the site with the wonderful photos that they have uploaded. It is obvious that photos of historical interest have great attraction for shipping enthusiasts. They have helped with the rapid expansion of the site.
I asked Gordy if he would describe the processes he uses for display to members. He was pleased to help. See below.
Perhaps others could also contribute. The technology is beyond my capability, and I do not have access to the extensive sources they have. But it makes fascinating reading!
Clyde
PROCESSES USED BY GORDY
In regards to the procedure I am using to clean up and restore photo's, I use three programs on just about everyone, I use Photo shop CS5, Picasa and Lightroom 3. Its not too difficult but its slow and tedious. A lot of the old photo's usually have scratches, spots, blotches and refracted light.
The first job is to enlarge the photo...if its a large photo to begin with then its easier to reduce and it is better for clarity.
I use a combination of Picassa and Photo shop in the restoration work, some times it takes quite a bit to remove the multitude of marks etc on some old pics. This can be slow and tedious as I said but to make a photo look good it has to be done other wise it just doesnt come up too good.
As I said, I blow the photo up big when I am working on it. Its easier and with tools like the content aware tool plus another I can lasso the more open accessible marks and sections in one hit but much harder when the scratches and blotches are in among-st the rigging and gear.
Once I have cleaned it up I then use Adobe Lightroom, to complete the process. It makes the old photo's the sharper & clearer, also gives them a glossy look.
I also add more sky, more to the sides to even it up and more sea on the bottom. Finally I try to keep the horizon straight to make the pic more appealing. If you have Photoshop Cs5, lightroom 3 and Picassa, find some old photo's and practice, I have been at it a few years now Clyde and use some great tools plus worked out a number of shortcuts making it less of a soul destroying job lol
Its not bad but fiddly diddly though, lots of patience lol
Hope I have helped, I hope you have a go at it, all the best mate
GB
Gordy