Old photographs contain information that modern editing tools can sometimes recover, but restoration should be treated differently from creating a new image. The goal is to improve readability while respecting the original photograph.

Begin with the best source available. If you have a physical print, scan it at a high resolution or photograph it in even light. Avoid strong reflections and shadows. A sharper source gives an editor more information to work with and reduces the temptation to invent details.

When writing a restoration prompt, separate correction from interpretation. Ask for removal of scratches, dust, stains, faded contrast and color cast. If the photograph is black and white, decide whether you want a clean monochrome restoration or a historically appropriate colorization. Do not ask for modern clothing, modern backgrounds or a completely different facial expression unless you intentionally want a creative remake.

Faces require special attention. AI restoration can make a blurry face look clearer, but it can also introduce details that were never present in the original. Compare the result with the source and look at distinctive features such as the eyes, hairline, nose, jaw and clothing. If a family photograph is being restored for sentimental reasons, preserving the original alongside the edited version is especially important.

For color photographs, a natural correction usually looks better than extreme saturation. Skin tones, old paper warmth and faded clothing can be brought back gradually. The same principle applies to sharpening: enough to recover edges, but not so much that faces become artificial.

A useful workflow is to make two versions: a conservative restoration and a creative enhancement. The conservative copy should stay close to the original. The creative version can be more polished for sharing, printing or framing.

Quick checklist

  1. Scan or photograph the original carefully
  2. Remove obvious dust and scratches first
  3. Ask AI to restore rather than redesign
  4. Check faces and important details
  5. Keep an untouched copy of the original
Tip: Save the original photo before experimenting so you can always compare the AI result with the source.
For more photo-editing ideas, visit the [VK AI Editor blog](../blog.html).
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