How To Digitally Restore Old Photos with Luminar Neo

Tips and techniques for restoring old and damaged photos. This is based on retouching a faded black and white photo and shows how to bring back contrast, repair damage and remove blemishes using Luminar Neo. You can get the photo editing software here using discount ATNEO: bit.ly/Luminar...
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[@AnthonyTurnham]

Since creating this video Luminar Neo has been updated and improved. You can get the newest version on sale here: bit.ly/NeoSale and maybe save more with coupon: ATNEO10 (sometimes Skylum de-activate the code if there's already a promotion running but worth giving a go!)

[@hailzgeoff]

This if full of good advice. I had a batch of old family sepia photos which I wanted to restore. I scanned them all in, and then set to work. As you said - there are no quick fixes in this game. patience is the biggest tool that you need!! I just wanted to share my experieince with using Neo's Face Enhancer. To start with, I was encouraged because out-of-focus faces were magically given sharp eyes, noses, and mouths. However, very soon, I un-did all the changes. What I realised was that although I had got better faces with "Face Enhancer" , they WEREN'T the faces of my old relatives. This isnt an image enhancer -it's an image creator. Effectively the faces seem to be constructed from multiple grafts to give a clear image. I decided that I would much rather have low quality pictures that were authentic, rather than have my ancestors looking like a family of robots created by some AI model.

[@robertmccutchan5450]

Amazing! I have two hundred 6 x 9 negatives my grandpa took in the early 1940's while stationed in Alaska. I "scanned" them with my Canon 6D a couple of years ago, and have never achieved good results. I opened them in Neo today, and so far, I am getting great results! I just invert the curve in the develop module to invert the negative, and make a couple major adjustments (all sliders are in reverse at this point). Then, I start a new development edit, and everything works correctly from there. Thanks for posting!!

[@AnthonyTurnham]

You're welcome Robert. All the best with your editing.

[@rebeccamoore4177]

Brilliant. I haven’t tackled the family slides yet and this will help me when I do!

[@GavinBollard]

Wow, this is a masterclass. I've been restoring photos using a whole lot of different software over the years but normally I'd never use Luminar for that. I think you just changed my mind.

[@AnthonyTurnham]

Glad it was helpful!

[@phlotographer]

@@AnthonyTurnham where were you and NEO 11 years ago when I was doing a lot of this type of work and generally not very well it would seem. One extension that I might have to think about. Great tutorial as usual AT.

[@faisalmanzoor6925]

Hi I have 1 pic can't see it clearly is there any1 who can help me plz

[@alangauld6079]

The supersharp face enhancement seems to "borrow" facial features from somewhere and often they don't look anything like the original. However by masking it in at 30% or so I've found I can usually get something that looks more believable. I was impressed by how well the details tools worked though, I hadn't tried them on old photos.

[@charlieross-BRM]

This is uncanny. I did a double take when I saw the thumbnail of this "Sphinx" photo - - - because I have a photo taken at the same spot, with the same aspect and composition, from the same time. Three troopers, one camel, no locals. One side of my family had members volunteer for the Lovat Scouts, a specialist regiment formed by recruiting Scottish gamekeepers and ghillies, all the way back to the 2nd Boer War. I'll be trying these steps on it in Photoshop or in Capture One if I can.

[@AnthonyTurnham]

Uncanny! Hope your edit goes well! 😀

[@mauriceprokaziuk337]

Anthony, I thank you so much for this. Today my wife gave me a photo of he Grandparents to retouch. Also faded and washed out. This tutorial will help me so much in restoring it to it's original format, maybe even better.

[@AnthonyTurnham]

Fantastic! Glad your edit went well!

[@timbelber7342]

Amazing! I can't wait to tackle some old photos I have of Cherokee reservation life in the early 1900s! Thank you!

[@AnthonyTurnham]

I've been asked so many times can you restore old photos with Luminar. If so, how? Well for those of you with a box full of old photos that have been damaged over time, I hope this video will help you breathe some life back into those shots. If you get anything out of this video a click on the thumbs up is always very appreciated! Got any other tips? Leave 'em below 😀

[@callesandlund1204]

Excellent tutorial! Thank you very much! 😊 Any plans for a tutorial on scanned colour negatives? 😉

[@AnthonyTurnham]

If you or anyone else has some scanned negs that could serve as demonstration in a video please send them through to [e-mail]

[@mikerobbins3630]

A second WOW from me. Could not have been more timely, I'll begin working on old photosthis weekend. Thanks for this video!

[@robertmeyerson1618]

Instead of a high-end scanner, I've been using my SONY a6000 with a macro lens. This was a really good video. Learned a lot. Thanks, Anthony !!

[@ronwilson9855]

Having just spent days trying to digitize some old photos, I wish I had seen this video first!! I may have to revisit all that work and start again 😒 but a great video Anthony, so many tips and useful techniques. We have had a month of rain in the UK, and it was a great time to edit photos, so nothing lost, just learnt. Thanks again.

[@yuuwhoo]

I've found many of my photos are sepia toned. I like that look so would put that back in after all the other work. Perhaps not all of them (-:

[@ozguy80]

Wow what a difference!! Wish I had the confidence or know-how with Neo that you have, Anthony. I guess I'll just have to keep practicing. As always, a brilliant tutorial! Thank you!

[@michaelpegg8966]

Another good video thanks. Left/Right bracket alter brush size but (in Windows) Shift mouse wheel alters brush size which I find useful. Wish we had a quick key to show mask as M in Capture One and other progs.

[@iandobson8846]

Thank you for everything Anthony. Be strong, we all look forward to your updates, at your speed.

[@paulross2561]

Thanks for the tips! Back to my parents old photo albums

[@alfredoneves3980]

Excellent video, I'm new to photography and just started using luminary neo. I appreciate the way you explain every step along the way and the way you turn to the camera and talk to us. Sorry for my English, it's google translator's fault :) Keep it up and thank you for your teachings.

[@Retirement_Life]

Wow! What timing. I’m currently doing just this exercise and was going to ask if it was possible to do a tutorial. Just got to check that I have the various AI plugins…

[@HerewardDundasTaylor]

Great video, I'll be onto Luminar Pro with some of my family pics from the 1800s and early 1900s. Is that a pic of Australian Lighthorse (Mounted) Infantry soldiers in Egypt during WWI?

[@igorhlavaty2060]

I am shocked Anthony. Great 🙂 I like restoration of old pictures.

[@eddieagha5851]

Excellent! Best explanation of curves I've seen so far!

[@AnthonyTurnham]

I've also got this video on curves specifically: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bp2WY6iCh82NnLc Such a powerful tool and really worth mastering!

[@donjames5761]

i love your content so much you've helped me a lot. you're the reason i bought luminar neo an never regretted it.

[@musicalhal11]

I Think this is one of your best videos for me personally , great keep it up Anthony.

[@GunniGrahn]

Once again; You are a great teacher and you ad value to Neo - and this is a great insight in any image restoration!! - it doesnt matter here, but i hope you have seen some of the videos of what the face retoration function really does (Replace) and it doesnt always turn out useable. Thanks for another excellent video Anthony ! 🙏

[@rebeccamoore4177]

Thanks for helping me to up my game! I am (very, very) slowly digitalizing our older and pre-digital family photos using Luminar. Rather than scanning, I have been taking photos of photos. Somehow that workflow is just easier for me. I was so happy when Neo introduced the clone tool as per your video it really comes in handy for photo restoration. I need to practice those short cut keys!! I also have used face light in the portrait section to good effect.

[@AnthonyTurnham]

Happy to help!

[@rickcrompton1065]

Thanks Anthony, I am so impressed with your very good presentations, they are excellent

[@Jmmy-gt5eu]

Thanks for your great content and information. I hope you are feeling better, my brother. I have kept you and your family in my prayers. Keep up the great work for us.

[@AnthonyTurnham]

Thanks Jimmy. Feeling heaps better. Much more positive!

[@krisbrost676]

Priceless Anthony...thank you for your efforts here and your whole channel!!!

[@waynejones1054]

Absolutely brilliant video once again. Thanks for the really useful information.👍👍

[@ddoi3764]

Fantastic instructional video Anthony!!! Your teaching style is second to none. Keep up the great work.

[@rolfpalmstrm3622]

Fantastically helpful video Anthony! You are my favorite teacher :)

[@RussellMcCollom]

Great restore. I wouldn't have thought to use Neo but I guess you just showed us you can. Love your videos.

[@jeanbrown8295]

Great video,I am going to start on my many old photos

[@pir869]

Could the final B+W image be colourised to look more present,B+W images have a knack to look old,if that makes sense. I have some pictures that i would like to clean up and have natural colours added to,like actual hair colour as say brown hair and dark red in a B+W image will look pretty much the same. The final B+W image was excellent,i also have images of my Grandfather in India during WW2 and regimental photos for RA horse drawn artillery etc in A4 format sized photos. Plus childhood pics from the 70s instamatic type pics.

[@AnthonyTurnham]

Yes, indeed the image could be colourised but that's a whole other skill in itself. I'll see if I can make a future video on it...

[@andrewyam7938]

Fantastic! As a beginner with luminar neo, I learned a lot from your videos. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@leonfisher]

Almost like you travelled back in time and took the photo again. 👍

[@carlosdebernard8948]

Congratulation ..... This is a great work , you can be sure I learn a lot with this one. From Panamá Carlos

[@AnthonyTurnham]

Glad to hear that Carlos!

[@peteschenck9655]

Wow! The biggest hint I took from this (well, not really) is that I need a new computer! Your videos are the most educational tools I have seen. I now subscribe to only your videos and have eliminated all the others. Thank you!

[@AnthonyTurnham]

Wow, thanks Pete. Yes, we're both on the hunt for a new computer then! 😀

[@hbarwick1]

I love all your helpful comments. I watched your video on merging pano files in lightroom but i have Luminar neo. Can it work in that? thanks

[@AnthonyTurnham]

Sure it can. But you need the pano extension. You can get it here: bit.ly/NeoPano :) I've also done a couple of videos on using it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWfYd6qwrsiqj7M and here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2jYgJeMgMmJh5o 👍

[@martinduffy3835]

would like to see if Luminar could actually repair a badly damaged photo. most programs can do what you did here. I keep reading about AI but have had no luck with any of them.

[@hans-gerdschievink5190]

Fantastic video and instructions, many thanks for this!

[@AnthonyTurnham]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hymanlevy2265]

GREAT VIDEO

[@AnthonyTurnham]

Thanks!

[@jackhill8246]

Great tutorial Anthony!

[@volkerwehres5917]

I think when something with erase doesn’t work like we want now you can use Command Z to delete just the last Step, not all of the work which has been done. Thanks that Command Z is back in the programm...

[@yvonneprance3745]

love your videos, I always learn something new that amazes me..... thank you xx

[@AnthonyTurnham]

I'm so glad!

[@ziv2liv]

Excellent video! Very enlightening. Here is a suggestion for your next one. How to restore a scanned photo that the colors have faded or changed.

[@AnthonyTurnham]

Nice idea. If you have any examples you can send them through to [e-mail]

[@ziv2liv]

@@AnthonyTurnham Will do

[@johndoudar6395]

Great video well presented, found it to be very useful.

[@chanchalbose5690]

Excellent. Wish to see more👍

[@sheilagrayman7147]

Magical!🎉

[@shradhapradhan8737]

I am from India

[@Greg_Ashley]

Great work, as usual.

[@AnthonyTurnham]

I appreciate that Greg

[@ArminHirmer]

very nice!

[@AnthonyTurnham]

Thanks Armin!

[@SpartanMotonr1]

Awesome

[@chiangmaicharlies]

Excellent tutorial.

[@felixthecat1882]

Hi Anthony! Great video on restoring old photos! 😻 One thing though, is it possible to remove those blemishes automatically by using the 'Remove Dust Spots' facility in the erase tool? 😽 Regards from Felix the Cat. 🐱

[@AnthonyTurnham]

I'll have to give that a go and see. Nice idea!

[@MagicBiscuitShow]

Excellent!

[@michaelpitt3640]

Very cool! What scanner did you use?

[@AnthonyTurnham]

amzn.to/3ZUUe5q it was in the Canon TS series. Just a basic one really.

[@shradhapradhan8737]

Can you please restore my childhood picture plz plz plz.

[@DJewell]

Very well done. . . I've been working on the same thing. I have many really old photos that I'm trying to restore, this will help. I do have Luminar Neo but have not added any extensions as yet. I use LR for my file management and have some fear in eliminating it and going to Neo exclusively will cause a lot of work for me. Would it be possible to show how this can be done?

[@AnthonyTurnham]

Hi Dave. For my professional work and older catalogues I still use LR for file management. If you've got it for that purpose personally I wouldn't migrate away.

[@DJewell]

@@AnthonyTurnham Thanks, I will continue as is.

[@timotharcher]

It is actually sad how far beh ind AI is when it comes to retouching old photos. There is no great and fast software currently on the market which could deal with many different obstacles on one photo. As we can see it takes ages to get a good results. It really buffles me a lot.

[@user-vs3cz5it5o]

Hi Anthony! Great video on restoring old photos! One thing though, is it possible to remove those blemishes automatically by using the 'Remove Dust Spots' facility in the erase tool? Regards from Felix the Cat.

[@AnthonyTurnham]

Hi Felix TC 😀 That's a good idea. I'll try it out on the next photo restoration I do! I love the way you come up with creative solutions. Whether or not they pan out isn't the point, but the fact that you think that way is fantastic!

[@ChrisWhittenMusic]

Thanks for the tutorials. I have some scanned negatives that are a blizzard of dust. If the AI dust removal removes a detail that isn't dust, is there a way to desert that one point, or mask out a section that won't be touched by automatic dust removal?

[@AnthonyTurnham]

Yes, export the dust retouched version, load it as a layer over the original and then use a mask as normal to hide or reveal the areas on that corrected layer that you want to see.

[@ChrisWhittenMusic]

@@AnthonyTurnham great!

[@kalevikivimaa7551]

Right clicking my version of Luminar Neo (1.7.1) does not open the action list you show here to turn counterclockwise?

[@AnthonyTurnham]

Just a click on the Luminar NEO title should do it. Click Luminar NEO > Image > Rotate Alternatively CTRL + [ and CTRL + ] work as hotkey shortcuts.

[@darcybrown7369]

nice tutorial Anthony, I've just updated to latest version of Neo and after editing as usual when i return to photoshop I only get a black layer - any ideas why and how to resolve it?

[@AnthonyTurnham]

Hi Darcy. Not sure about that. Try reaching out to the Skylum tech support. Bet they'd be able to solve it.

[@darcybrown7369]

@@AnthonyTurnham thanks, I tried that but think given what's happening around them they are probably short on time, their support page came back as 404 and there's no working twitter page

[@volkerwehres5917]

OK, you mentioned it later on… :-))

[@barriepreecehasnowretired4779]

I have some old - very old - negatives which I have scanned but there are a load of major blemishes on the faces of the people in the photos. Erase and clone don't really work. Any suggestions?

[@AnthonyTurnham]

Hi Barrie, if the original face is destroyed there's not too much that can be done unfortunately. You could borrow from other photos with that person if you have another reference with similar lighting, but apart from that... 😬

[@barriepreecehasnowretired4779]

@@AnthonyTurnham I guessed that was probably the case. Thanks for replying anyway

[@dfeick]

Why save as tif rather than png?

[@AnthonyTurnham]

Hi Doug. Here's some info on png vs tiff. www.adobe.com/creativecloud/file-types/image/comparison/tiff-vs-png.html#:~:text=about%20TIFF%20files-,What%20is%20the%20difference%20between%20TIFF%20and%20PNG%20files%3F,%2C%20scanning%2C%20and%20print%20options.

[@karimelmahmoudi1583]

How do you get the histogram to show up at the top?

[@AnthonyTurnham]

Hi mate. Go to the Luminar Neo logo, click it and choose view from the menu and show histogram is the bottom option. 👌

[@AnthonyTurnham]

The current best deal for Luminar Neo can be found here bit.ly/Luminar-NEO. You can try code ATNEO10 for an additional discount.

[@bradforddillman7671]

Great work on the photo but it’s killing me that you clone-stamped the four tiny figures on the horizon. For me it stands out like a sore thumb that there was digital tomfoolery introduced to the image. I kept waiting for you to remove them! Great tutorial anyway.

[@AnthonyTurnham]

Haha. Yeah, I see what you mean! I think the issue I often run into is my mind is split between performing a quality photo edit to the best of my ability, while simultaneously concentrating on delivering video content to the viewer. My brain gets a bit fried doing it and occasionally miss things I'd be on to if I weren't doing voice overs and recording. :)

[@AnthonyTurnham]

BIG NEWS! Skylum has just launched a summer sale where you can save a massive 81% off Luminar Neo here bit.ly/NeoSale But the cool thing is in addition to that they've given me a coupon code to share with you so you get to save ANOTHER 20% (use code AFF-T5C1C0 ) I really hope that helps you out! It should work for both the perpetual licence and the subscription too. Enjoy😄 Best wishes, Anthony

[@AnthonyTurnham]

New to Luminar NEO? Skylum reached out to me today with a temporary discount code you can use to save even more off Neo and other assets in their Summer sale. Go here bit.ly/Luminar-NEO use code AFS-YtXN8E Hope that helps 👍😀

[@3rdnewjerseyregiment974]

The code in your video actually raised the price

[@bertthebird2341]

I am wondering why you don't simply use Photoshop. 🤔

[@AnthonyTurnham]

A greater number of my audience use Neo rather than PS, so catering to that really. But, yes, photoshop is a great choice for this type of editing/restoration work too.

[@radiozelaza]

Now you can also colorize such photos with AI lol

[@AnthonyTurnham]

Which tool? I'd love to check it out. Thanks!

[@radiozelaza]

@@AnthonyTurnham I've used palette DOT fm lately to colorize b&w photos with the best results of all the colorization tools on the internet. Even the free version is capable of great results (as long as one uses Photoshop to blend the output file with the original using "color" blend mode, because it's in lower resolution)