making image readable...help!! - DPChallenge Forums

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

09/19/2005 12:09:32 PM · #1

I play the ebay game occasionally, mostly with antiques china and collectables. Occasionally, (often, actually) I get a plate with a back stamp that was applied poorly, to light, or colors that jsut are plain hard to see. I've played with them in PS, and occasionally I can make them readable. This one is a silver mark on a white plate. Can anyone help me with a simple way to make these backstamps readable? They dont have to be any kind of pretty or accurate color wise. Just readable. thanks all. David

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

09/19/2005 12:19:29 PM · #2

Somethng like this? I use Curves to selectively increase the contrast in the specific tone range where the detail is.

drz01

Pentax K50

Pentax SMC DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR

09/19/2005 12:24:50 PM · #3

A good way is not to photograph the back end but scan it with a flat bed scanner.

09/19/2005 12:27:55 PM · #4

I get about the same results by adjusting the auto level under image. The pic I inserted is cropped a little, but other than that straight out of the camera. I can improve it a little, but not great results. I run into this problem quite often. thanks for the suggestion.

09/19/2005 12:32:03 PM · #5

Originally posted by drz01:

A good way is not to photograph the back end but scan it with a flat bed scanner.

I haven't tried the scanner yet. Although Ive been getting a little sloppy lately, I like to think mu items bring just a tad more money because my images are a little higher quality than most. I'll try the scanner though. ty.