Enhance B&W Photos For Identification

I have about fifteen black-and-white images from my personal collection that were digitised years ago. The files are very dark, yet the lighting is so dim that it is almost impossible to tell who is standing/sotting in each shot. I’m convinced the detail is still there; it just needs to be drawn out by separating tonal layers, pushing contrast selectively, and balancing highlights and shadows until the faces read clearly.

You’ll receive the original digital files and I’d like you to return two things: the fully enhanced versions ready to view or print, and an editable master file (PSD or equivalent) that shows your adjustment layers so I can tweak them later if needed.

I’m open to whatever workflow you prefer—Photoshop, Lightroom, Affinity, even specialised AI tools—as long as the final images look natural and, most importantly, the individuals can be identified without obvious artefacts or haloing. If you can work sample-first on one frame to demonstrate your approach, that will help us both confirm the direction before you proceed with the rest.

Let me know your estimated turnaround and any questions you may have.