Fix-a-Photo Help. An exercise in...?

<p>A friend has asked if I could fix a family photo for him. I've done the best I can with Lightroom 4 and PS CS5 but am wondering if anyone here might do it better. The file is<a href=" here</a><br>

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<p><a href=" three attempts.</a> A lot futzing with clarity, shadows, contrast and brushes.</p>

<p><em>I couldn't take a shot like this if I tried...</em></p>

<p>Sure you could, Phil! I have done it before. Looks to me like the camera was inside (building, car, something), in a cool area, and then taken outside in a hot, relatively humid area. Condensate formed on the center of the front lens element. The photographer didn't or couldn't wait long enough for the condensate to evaporate. Result: picture looks terrible, with the terribleness strongest at the center.</p>

<p>I'm skeptical that there is really a good fix for this picture. Your attempts are worthy enough in my opinion--other than the lack of any cloning in a second head or something for the guy whose head is partially hidden by the woman's head--but there's probably just no truly fixing this. If it was the last picture of one of the subjects before an untimely death the next day or something, work away, but otherwise, they should write it off and try again, I think.</p>

<p>Here's my best effort, maybe 20 minutes of work, perhaps a little heavy handed but I think it's an improvement. Nik colorefex helped a lot, actually the bleach bypass filter cut through a lot of the fogginess.</p><div></div>

<p>Ran Russel Brown's Detailing Action 3 times and added some local contrast.</p>

<p><img src="http://www.pbase.com/ho72/image/146094340/original.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p>Sorry it took so long to respond. Somebody's Mom liked this particular picture. You know how that goes...</p>

<p>Biggest problem is the scene was already contrasty, so increasing the contrast to clear the haze simply blows the blocked shadows right off the charts.<br>

Dave- I didn't even see the hidden head till I cleaned up the photo.<br>

Nice work Ryan and Howard. I think you both worked it at least a little better than I did. I'll have to look into Dr. Brown's actions.</p>

<p>Thanks all for participating. A learning experience where we can find out exactly how far we can push something.</p>