Get the YELLOW OUT in a VINTAGE Photo (and more)

In this tutorial, I demonstrate how to remove the yellow in a vintage photograph. Also, the photo had writing on the back that bled through -- I demo how to remove that as well.

Big thanks to Mike R. for allowing me the use of his image to make this tutorial.

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[AnthonyMorganti]

In this tutorial, I demonstrate how to remove the yellow in a vintage photograph. Also, the photo had writing on the back that bled through -- I demo how to remove that as well.

Big thanks to Mike R. for allowing me the use of his image to make this tutorial.

** I am an affiliate for all of the companies listed EXCEPT Affinity Photo.

Please read my Code of Ethics Statement:

Anthony Morganti’s MUST HAVE applications:

At least one Non-Destructive RAW Editor


At least one FULL Editing App:


My MUST-HAVE Plugins:

*Save 15% on all Topaz Labs apps — use the Promo Code: AMDISC15


My MUST-HAVE Mac Utility:


To save 10% on your purchase of CleanMyMac X:

2. Scroll down to the very bottom of the page and click on "Enter it now" under "Already have a coupon code?"
3. Paste the promo code TONY10 and hit "Verify"
4. The prices will be reduced, and you’ll be able to select the license and proceed with the payment

** Note that all of the promo codes listed above may not work on sale products.

*** I am an affiliate for all of the companies listed EXCEPT Affinity Photo. Please read my Code of Ethics Statement:



As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

I use this software to record my screen and make parts of my screen enlarge and zoom out so you can see it:

Unsure of how to price your photography? Check the 2019 Guide to Pricing Your Photography:

I am an affiliate for all of the companies listed EXCEPT Affinity Photo. Please read my Code of Ethics Statement here:

Thank you!

[torreviejadigitalcameraclu]

One way of removing or lessening the writing on this photograph is at the SCANNING stage. Place the photograph face down on the scanner and the place a BLACK sheet of paper over it and then scan. Great videos - Keep up the good work. - Regards - Alan

[jackbrumby]

Thanks Anthony. Over many years I have done a lot of work repairing photos from negatives or after I've scanned them. I have also colorised many photos. Many times I have suggested to Youtubers to make videos about the processes I just outlined. I guess I could make some videos myself! I'm not a big Photoshop user. I mainly use Lightroom, ON1 2021, Luminar 4 & Luminar AI. Clone & erase are my heroes. I might follow your PS method on a few photos, though. Cheers, John.

[behramcooper]

I would select the sky using various selection tools and gaussian blur it. That would remove the patchiness in that portion of the photo. Of course, I would remove the spots first using the spot removal tool.

[MisterTolley]

Those "patches" are often the result of sticky tape being used either front or back of photos. And those can be a major source of yellow streaks/stains. If you've got the colour out, it's worth trying content-aware-fill on the "hard" edges. Select quite tightly just either side of the outside edge line and feather it a bit. Run CAF then repeat. Depends on the photo and the extent of the damage, but it's sometimes possible to nibble away at a patch. You may end up with a patch paler than the surrounding area, but that's an easy fix - select the area, feather, copy onto a new layer and play with blending modes and opacity. And duplicating layers and tinkering with blend modes can sometimes make a massive difference to faded pics.

[harrykitch]

Great help, thanks. Would this approach work as well for an old photo that has the dark blue stain where silver has created a blue/ silver stain?

[philbrown]

As usual very interesting and useful. Thanks!

[lesmorris]

Hi..does your Olde Tyme Template pack for Luminar include a sepia effect..I can't tell from the samples in the Skylum marketplace..thanks

[apeel]

Great video. On a side note, and if I recall correctly, you cannot create a Stamp Layer from the Layers menu, correct? For such a common task, I never understood why Adobe does not put it as a menu choice. Plus I always forget the 4-key combo and usually have to try 4-5 different times before I finally get it.

[neel]

this video came at a perfect time for me.. thanks a bunch

[buster]

“Restoring” an old photo doesn’t mean “to make perfect.” You did just enough to remove distractions such as color and bleed through. My Dad and my Grandpa also wrote on every photo, oftentimes on the front of their photos. I’M GLAD THEY DID: knowing dates an locations makes them more relevant ... and gives the photographs character. Just saying ...

[mdturnerinoz]

Dave Cross on KelbyOne (Scott Kelby's website) has a class that includes how to restore old photos. I am no longer a member of KelbyOne, but if one goes to the website, it should still be there.

[acraftman]

Depending on how important the photo is most retouchers aren't to bad on their pricing and can do amazing work, thankfully for me my Dear Mum always used pencil which is still legible but doest bleed thru.

[bassets]

Good evening I have an issue with the photo. I just found you on YouTube and I was wondering if there’s anyway you could possibly help me to restore a wedding photo of ours send me a right direction please. I need help you for your time.

[Nafregamisrocanob]

Most likely the blotches you see and the yellowing of an image printed on fiber based photo paper is caused by the insufficient removal of the fixer (sodium thiosulfate) during print washing. Research re-washing of fiber based photo paper and see how this can be reversed. I scan both sides of an image for archival purposes then soak the photo in water overnight and dry n a blotter.