Photos

Family photos have always had a special magic about them. Now, with the help of our computers, we can enhance our photos and create very personalized treasures for friends and families.

To start, scan your favorite picture into your computer. (If you are a digital photographer, your pictures will already be there.) Next, start your creation. Begin by correcting problems. For instance, crop your picture to eliminate unwanted background, remove "red eye" or retouch tears and creases. Then zoom in on your favorite person or add a border or personal message.
There are many programs available that have the basic tools required for retouching and enhancing photos such as Photo Deluxe, Photoshop, Kodak, Corel … the list is endless.

When you first open up the scanned image (or digital photo), your primary concern should be to confirm that you have scanned the photo at a high enough resolution. In other words, make sure it is crisp and clear! Next, crop (cut) your image to include only those sections you want. Then start having fun by adding color, text or borders. Remember to contend with one issue at a time and follow it through to completion before beginning another.

If you have to restore a damaged photo, don't worry. You will basically, repaint the bad spots. It is tedious, but not difficult. The Clone Tool (or rubber stamp) allows you to copy from one spot to another. It can take care of creases and damage by copying similar color and detail from other locations. The goal in cloning is to take part the good section and partially or completely paste it over the defect. Use the magnification tool to zoom in on the individual pixels when working with this tool for maximum effectiveness.
There is also a Dust & Scratches tool, which blends out mars by smudging the background; the Color Balancing tool, and Brightness & Contrast to give flat looking pictures more depth and pop. The Draw command gives you an endless list of borders and shapes that you can add to personalize your photo. Finally, the text box will allow you to add a special note, poem or caption.

Most importantly, do not forget you have an UNDO Key found under the Edit Menu. You will use it a lot … there are lots of Oops lurking in the corners. If you save your work often so you can get back to a good point if worse comes to worse (and it will).
Once your pictures are perfect, you can store them or make a screen saver. Use a printer to turn your masterpiece into prints. You can even put them into family newsletters, genealogy charts, greeting cards, T-shirts … list goes on and on.

But, be realistic. The process of creating and restoring photo is time-consuming and has a long learning curve. Nevertheless, if you are patient, it is well worth the smiles of family and friends.