This beautiful family portrait was given to me by my Grandma several years ago. It is an 11×17″ photo of my Grandma, my mother, and my mother’s siblings. My darling Mom is wearing the blue striped dress.
This portrait was one of many in a large Kodak envelope. All of the photos were taken by my Great-Grandmother Estelle Duval at her studio – Duval Portraits in Spokane, Washington. Most of the photos in this envelope were hand colored with oil paints by Grandma Duval. She was remarkably talented.
For the past several years – maybe 7 or so – these photos have been patiently waiting for some attention. Well, two weeks ago when I scanned the Telesphore Brouillette book, I also scanned all 28 of the 11×17″ portraits.
It felt pretty fantastic to finally get these treasures scanned. I just needed some time and access to a large, high-quality flat-bed scanner. Thank you, BYU for helping me out!
The only bummer, and it is a very slight bummer, is that many of these precious photos were printed on textured paper. The scans exaggerate the texture and the photos come out much darker than they really are. Here is the original scan:
And here it is lightened up a bit:
And here it is with a little bit of sharpening:
And then finally, with some more sharpening and another layer of lightening:
Which version appeals most to you?
I am sooooo happy to have finally scanned these treasures!
Happy Thursday, I will be enjoying lots of family time next week for Thanksgiving. I’ll be taking the week off. If you are also celebrating Thanksgiving, may I suggest that you spend some time preserving memories? The FamilySearch Memories app is free and a fantastic way to record audio. It can record segments up to 15-minutes in length. Get your family talking about their favorite memories of loved ones now gone and record those gems. Have the Google PhotoScan app ready to go so you can scan any photos that catch your eye. Remember, the app isn’t nearly as good as a scanner, but sometimes, it’s the only thing you’ve got. I hope you have a blessed and thankful week! I am thankful for each of you who make my genealogy experience so much richer. xoxo
I like the last version—you did a great editing job. What are you doing to preserve the originals? Being hand-tinted, I’d think they’d be quite delicate as well as precious.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Thank you, Amy! They are actually a lot sturdier than you would expect. They were all printed on very thick photo paper. So far, I just have them in the Kodak envelope they were in when I received them. I need to get some proper archival boxes for them.
I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful! <3
Wow a great job. I also wonder as Amy is, how do you preserve the originals?
Thank you, Charles. So far, the originals are just in the Kodak envelope they were in when I received them. I need to get some proper archival boxes for them but haven’t gotten to it yet. Space is becoming an issue. I have been given so many boxes, bags, cartons, etc of family treasures. A wonderful problem. 🙂
Great family photos. I love the expressions on your mom’s face.
Thank you, Dave! 🙂
The last edit definitely helps even out the paper texture, but I do kinda like the original shot, with the more colourful backdrop. I just gave the boy child a photo of my great grandparents that was also printed on textured paper to see if he could work some magic on it. He has worked as a photo editor so I’m cautiously optimistic. 🙂
Oh, I hope he can work some photo magic for you! Has he finished yet? For this photo, the original paper copy is definitely the best version but then only I have it. 😉 I did save the original scan and two other versions so that my family members have choices. <3
Beautiful & Precious!
Thank you, Colleen! <3
I like the 3rd photo best. My in-laws threw away all of pictures taken by their parents. Just imagine? They were all in a small box. Yours are a true treasure. Thank you for sharing information about scanning & google apps.
Thank you, Nancy! No, I can’t imagine. I would be heartsick over discarded photos.