I have a photo that I said I would restore. On closer inspection though there is a lot of missing information, especially in the crease areas. Luckily some are just faded so I can do them. I am a little worried that I won't be able to fill in the missing information like arms etc. Do you think it can be done? I have started it but don't feel I will be successful so it has put me off. It is important that I get it done if possible as it is an older one of my corps band - early 1900's
IMG_0002part done by sallyanne, on Flickr

You can try to make selections and heal them (resynthesizer), but you are going to spend like hours (if not days) with this one. My only advice to you, Sallyanne, is, try not to make promises in the future. lolol

sallyanne,

A fine photograph well worth restoring and in a good cause.

A method (I think suggested by Rich) may well speed up much of the work.
I suggest changing to RGB mode before adding a transparent layer. This will allow you to paint in a contrasting colour and make for less strain on the eyes!
Select your colour (red or yellow will be easy to see), and with a hard-edge brush paint over defects on the transparent layer. Then do a Select-by-colour. Change to the picture layer and use Heal selection. You will have to choose between All around/Sides/Above and below according to the context and change the context sampling width when working at close quarters!
Ctrl-F will repeat Heal selection
Ctrl-Shift-A will cancel the selection
Delete on the transparent layer will remove your previous painting

Small areas each time and Ctrl-Z is a great friend!

You will no doubt have to use the clone and healing tools for final repair of faces etc.
It will require a lot of patience, but we have seen previous restorations you have done where you have proved your patience.

Very best of luck,
david.

Thought I would try.

Thank you all for your replies.

@ Wallace. yes there is a lot of work - more than I initially thought
@ Lyle. Yes I have already spent a little time on it and haven't got far yet. When I first saw it I thought it would be easily doable - horizontal or even diagonal lines seem to be easier to fill than vertical ones. I'll have to remember not to make promises
@ david, are you talking about inpainting? I have not mastered that one yet. Thanks for the other comments.
@Timelord, Now you make it look too easy. Well done.

I have found I have to be 'in the mood' to do long sittings at a picture.

sallyanne,

Not inpainting - Heal select under Filters/Enhance, part of the Resynthesize plugin.
I think it is easier to use and gives more control for what you are wishing to achieve.

david.