Photoshop/lightroom gurus - help please

[jacinda]

My husband brought home an old photo & frame of significant military history for his unit. He asked me if I could retrieve the writing on the back. I've had a play, but have not been able to make the writing very clear - it's super faded. I'm hoping someone with more expertise than me could have a try?

Here are the photos. The first photo is straight out of the camera. The second photo has had just auto contrast and auto levels applied. I'm not sure which would be easier to work with so I'll post both. I do have the high res images if needed.

Thank you for any and all help.:wub: Even just links to tutorials that may help?

 

[kelley]

Wow, that looks like a real challenge! But very cool! I'm sorry I'm of no help in this department Jacinda!

 

[elseepe]

I might try changing it to B&W and then upping the contrast. I'm not sure if it will help much, but worth a try.

 

[KateD]

I played with the image in Photoshop last night a bit. I added a B&W adjustment layer and then played with the sliders. It seemed to make the image a bit clearer when I filtered the yellow out. Also, using the sharpening filters seemed to help a bit. It still wasn't very clear, but maybe using the original file would have better results? Oh, and I was using the first image.

Are you trying to get a good image or just decipher the writing?

 

[Stacey42]

Do you have any way to scan it? That might help as well.

 

[jacinda]

I'm trying to decipher the writing. It was presented when their unit was first formed. The picture on the other side is their very first emblem/coat of arms type thing, and this explains what it means. I don't have a scanner unfortunately.

 

[jacinda]

Any one have any luck deciphering the writing?

 

[KateD]

Unfortunately, I was only able to decipher a little bit. Can you link to the hies images?

 

[glumirk]

hmm...I was just looking at it and I wonder if we all take a look at it if we can figure out the writing.

Honestly, is there a way he can take that into some sunlight to get a better picture? The picture itself is so grainy that it will make this harder.