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Transforming Low Resolution Photos for the Web

Using Photoshop to Make An Unusable Photo Usable
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Black and White photo of movie trailer called The Pool Player. Young man in button down white shirt holding a pool stick.

The final image, enlarged and edited, on a film poster

Editing a 1.5″ x 1″ image for the web
Old black and white 35millimeter film contact sheet, with two of the tiny images circled in red.

The 35mm contact sheet

I found an irreplaceable image of my deceased brother on an old 35mm contact sheet. The resolution was hopelessly low, rendering the image unusable.

Low resolution, enlarged and blurry original photo. Young man playing pool. Small inset of original photo at actual size.

Comparison showing the contact sheet image at actual size (inset) enlarged to a standard web size

The resolution of the enlarged image is too low to make it usable. However, I was determined to give it a try, using my Photoshop tools.

The original photo of the pool player, after extensive editing, alterations and manipulation. Sharply focused with increased contrast.

The edited image

After extensive editing, alterations and manipulation, the tiny image is now of sufficient quality to be used, with background distractions removed, at a 16:9 film ratio. Image quality is not the best but it suits my purpose.

Editing another image on the contact sheet
Another image from the contact sheet, at its original size. Young man shooting pool.

Original size
1.5″ x 1″

The original photo, edited and enlarged.

The post-editing result

Additional iterations of the images
  • Multiple, different images of young man playing pool.
  • Black and White photo of movie trailer called The Pool Player. Young man in button down white shirt holding a pool stick.
  • The pool player photo used as a darkened background for Official Film Site WordPress theme home page. Bright marquee in the foreground with the theme name.

Pool player image gallery, fictitious film trailer and custom WordPress theme demo page