🎞️ Coloring Black and White Photos: Adding Color to the Past
Hey, friends 👋
The other day, while looking at an old family photo, I saw my grandfather when he was young and thought, “What if I colored this?”
Then, of course, I found myself lost in Photoshop. Maybe I overdid it, but it was fun 😅
At first glance, it seems difficult, but with patience, it becomes enjoyable. Below are my trial-and-error methods — mistakes included, because I stumbled along the way too.
🪄 1. Open the Photo and Make a Layer Copy (Mandatory)
Rule of thumb: As soon as you open the photo, make a layer copy with Ctrl + J.
Once I forgot and worked on a single layer, then it was impossible to go back — I was devastated.
So, copy, work on top, save the original.
🎨 2. Adjust Color Layers: Switch to “Color” Mode
To add color, open a new layer and switch that layer to Color mode.
Normally, if you just paint over it, the texture of the photo disappears, and it looks like you've just slapped paint on the surface.
I create separate layers for the face, hair, and clothes — it's good to avoid crying later, “Oh no, this part is too much.”
(Set the brush opacity to 20–30% in between, go layer by layer. It looks more natural.)
👩🎨 3. Finding the Face Color: Without Overdoing It
This is where I hesitated the most. Guessing skin tone from black and white is a bit of a gamble.
I usually mix very light pink with a hint of beige, keeping the brush opacity low and going slowly.
If it's too much, I soften it with the Eraser — sometimes erasing and repainting is faster, silly but true.
Rule: Start with less, then add more. Don’t go straight for dark pink, it won’t work.
👕 4. Clothing and Background: Patience, Add Depth
Instead of painting clothes with a single solid color, use light and dark variations of the same tone.
For example, for my grandfather’s jacket, I used a medium tone first, then transitioned to darker shades for the shadows. This immediately adds depth.
I don’t usually mess with the background much — I like the blurry look of old photos.
Once I went overboard and painted the wall bright yellow, and it looked like a cartoon — I easily fixed it 😅
💡 5. Apply a Light “Gaussian Blur” to the Layers (Gently)
Once the colors are set, apply a very light Gaussian Blur to the layer you painted — this makes the paint blend more nicely at the edges.
I usually keep the Radius between 1.5–2.0; but if the photo is small, use less, and if it’s large, use a bit more.
Be careful not to overdo it, or you’ll get a “soapy effect.” (Trial and error is your friend here.)
🧩 6. Small Details: Lips, Eyes, Hair — Less is More
Don’t use a very bright red for the lips; a light pink or pale red looks more nostalgic.
A very light color on the eyes — like a light blue or warm coffee tone — brings them to life.
When coloring hair, start with a dark coffee or burnt black tone; then add brightness where needed.
Keep everything in separate layers for easier control.
Sometimes I stop and step back to look: “Well, did it work?”
Sometimes, when I take a few minutes' break and come back, I realize that a couple of subtle touches have completely transformed the photo.
Then I feel a little joy inside — especially since the slight smile on my grandfather’s face now seems more real.
My advice: Focus on adding more emotion rather than striving for perfection.
Coloring an old photo is like opening a new window onto memories; it’s like opening a dusty door.
Thanks for reading 💬
If you color an old photo too, write the result (and your disaster story, if you have one) in the comments — I’m curious, maybe I’ll be inspired by your photo next time 🎨