How to Choose Reference Photos for an Old Portrait Restoration
By ImgHeal · Updated
Select dated, relevant images that help review identity without replacing the source face.
Set the project's purpose
Look for confirmed photographs of the same person near the same age, hairstyle, and viewing angle. Record each reference's date, source, and confidence.
Make a documented plan
Use references to check proportions, distinctive features, and uncertain clothing, but keep the target photograph's expression and pose. A later portrait should not be copied over an earlier face.
Review whether the result serves the goal
Store references beside the edit note and explain how they were used. If references conflict, choose a restrained result rather than combining incompatible details.
Check before you finish
- Prefer confirmed, nearby dates.
- Preserve the target expression.
- Document each reference.
Continue with a related guide
Try a restoration on a copy of your photo
Keep the original scan. Upload a separate digital copy, review ImgHeal’s generated result, and decide whether it suits your needs.
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