MajestiK

Here's my problem: I had to enlarge this photo and I need it at these dimensions, but now (as you can see), it's all grainy and choppy. I've already tried to sharpen and clarify it, but is there anything else I can do to make it look better?



Thank you.

Bacardi

The file is a JPEG file. This means that, to make the filesize smaller, it has been condensed. The way JPEG does this is by assuming that pixels with approximately the same values can have one mean value. This reduces filesize, but, unfortunately, also reduces the quality. When you blow up the image, you start seeing blocks and artifacts like you do now.

There are a few plugins that can give you a better quality, but they're not cheap.
And as far as I know, everything you can do from within Photoshop is very limited and rather complicated in technique.

MajestiK

What are the plugins?

Bacardi

One is called "genuine fractals". They use a fractal algorithm to calculate. You can find a demo on your Photoshop CD.
The other one is from the Netherlands, but I can't remember its name.

Don't expect any miracles because what is lost with jpeg compression cannot be restored.

wbiss

About all that you can do, in a case like this, WarmingTheCurb (without the use of expense plug-ins) is become a bit of an 'artist' and fill in the missing information. [oops]

In the example that I have posted here, I used a combination of the blur tool (to blend), dodge & burn (to highlight and/or reproduce shadows) and I did a little painting. It's a 'quick & dirty' example, but I've done it to show you that with a little 'time' and patience, you can come up with an acceptable pic.

Bacardi

That's Wendy: when there's no way throught the desert, she makes one of her own! And be shure it's a good one, complete with restaurant and wine pub! [righton]

MajestiK

wbiss: Wow! That looks great. Thank you.

wbiss

[righton] I can always find a restaurant and a wine pub anywhere Erik! If not, I create my own!

Tx! Ahhh... so you see what can be done WarmingTheCurb!

wbiss

[confused] I'm wondering WarmingTheCurb, how my "after" image got in your initial post??? [confused]

I'm re-posting so that others can offer you up some suggestions as to how to clean it up...

jpfitness

ahhhhhhhhhh yes but what about the taxi or tuk tuk [bustagut] [bustagut] [bustagut]

Nice job you did Wendy well done girl :}
sfm