Even without a date on this photo, the vehicle gives some idea of the time frame since it's a '22. It helped to find photos of this car on the internet so the front fender could be recreated. This little (1-1/2 by 2-3/8 inch) gem was treasured by the man's son who now has a much better 6x9 inch print to share with his family.Scanning at about 1200dpi or so would have been sufficient to print at the size required (about 4 times the original's size). However, a higher resolution was required so that the scan would include more "good" pixels to fix so many "bad" pixels. When scanning images with more damage, you need to scan at a higher number than normally indicated. Look at the numbers listed on your scanner and choose the next higher number. Scanning at 300dpi means you can print at the same size as the original. A 600dpi scan will give you twice the original's size to print. 900dpi would give you a print three times the original's size, etc.
In some cases a photo can only be rescued by cropping off the most damaged, irretrievable portions and focusing on the main subject. If one of your photos just seems too far gone, beyond the level of expertise you have achieved in your photo restoration skills, then consider that option. OR, if it is a very important one-of-a-kind picture, ask a professional to evaluate it (especially if the part to crop would be the face--NOT an option!!!) before you shove it back into a drawer or box. As you can see from the examples above, there is hope for revealing the hidden details of such incredible glimpses into your ancestors' past.
