Restored image

This image was pulled off the internet. Someone said it was a completed retouch job but I beg to differ. So I took the original and retouched it myself. I think the result is a great improvement.

Basic equipment needs:

Just a suggestion to the kind of hardware needed for restoration and retouching work.

Minimum requirements: PC with min. 3 Gig RAM, large harddrive 250 Gig +, DVD read/write drive, min. 512 Mb video card, external harddrive for backup. Good quality printer and a decent scanner.

One can get away with less to start with as I have done. Here is a list of hardware and software I use at present as well as what I really wish I could afford.

Hardware:
Dell Dimension 4600 w/1.5 Gig RAM (Maximum 3 Mb of RAM though), 160 Mb Harddrive, Asus Quietrack DVD recorder, Viewsonic 17 inch Graphics Monitor, Sandisk Card Reader, Epson 1270 Photo Inkjet (10 years old), Epson Perfection 1660 Photo Scanner (5 years old).

Software:
Windows 7 Ultimate, Adobe Design Premium CS5, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3.2, OnOne, Nik Software, Topaz, Alien Skin plus misc. other plug-ins., DxO Optics Pro, Phase One Capture One 5.

What I wish I had:
PC with (Intel i7 processor), 64 Bit with Windows 7 Ultimate, 8-12 Gig RAM, Video Card w/1 Gig RAM (Open GL compatible), DVD +/- Recorder, Blue-ray Recorder, 2-500 GB Harddrives, 1 TB external Harddrive for backup, newer Epson Printer, upgraded scanner. And to top it off: Nikon Digital Camera for reproduction work.

Some of my plug-ins won't work with the onboard video of my Dell PC which is really irritating but thats life. I will update my equipment as I am able to and thus be able to work more efficiently. My body is disabled but that does not prevent me from pursuing a new career. My mind is just fine thank you. LOL.

A New Career

     What can I say? Image retouching and restoration is an exciting choice. There are many programs and plug-ins that promises easy portrait retouching. While some are excellent and renders great result some will give an end- result that is none to pleasing.
     I will attempt to explain the differences between the different programs from my personal experience. And also explain the different plug-ins and their uses (Photoshop only).
     By following the posts you'll have an opportunity to learn how to do basic retouching and restoration. Hi-end retouching is somewhat more complicated and there are many different styles to emulate. My advice is to try to develop your own style. I try to find the best from different tutorials and combine them into what I see will fit my view on retouching best.

Good Luck