Watch Me Colour - with impressive new tools!
Technically speaking…
Back in April, I posted a video of my work flow; in it I use a mouse to colourize. Just six months later, I’ve retired my mouse in favour of the Apple pen, which I am having so much fun using on the new 4th generation iPad Pro. With these fun new tools, I am able to colour right on the screen!
Watch me colour in this fun new time-lapse video of my new and improved workflow.
The Photo Colourization Process
Have you ever wondered about the steps behind the photo colourization process? First, I scan the original photo with my handy portable scanner, or, if the photo is too fragile or mounted in a photo album, I take a photo of the image with my iPhone. I then put on my librarian hat and assess the elements in the photo to identify the era. Next, I develop a colour palette to use in Photoshop.
In Photoshop, I restore the photo by removing damage, including dust, tears, and discolouration. I play around with shadows and highlights to ensure all details are clear. I then apply the colour with the Apple pencil and, layer after layer, make adjustments, until the desired effect is achieved.
A painstaking process, it’s an ultimately rewarding one, as faces beneath the shadows emerge.
What about automated options?
It’s true, there are automated systems that can colourize photos for free. However, you get what you pay for. Any automated result I’ve seen falls short of satisfactory.
So far, systems powered by machine learning do not have the ability to determine the era the photo was taken and choose a suitable palette of colours. Sometimes the automated enhancement tools I’ve tested mix things up. For example, shadows under chins are frequently mistaken as beards; applied where they don’t belong -including on women and babies. Though funny; it may not be the effect you’re after!
Another downside to using automation is that the end result is always in earth tones, like grey and brown. Meanwhile, fashion history reveals our ancestors actually wore a wide array of colours. This is why, in my colourizations, I prefer using vivid colours.
Lastly, automation doesn’t repair photo damage.
One of the most rewarding parts of the colourization process is watching the faces of the past emerge from the shadows. In a very profound, personal moment, I discovered significant resemblances between myself and my great-grandmother while colouring an old photo of her as a young woman. Captivated by an old black and white photo of Christine since I was a child, it’s been exciting to see her as others saw her - in colour.
Robots vs The PhotoPainter
Don’t forget - quotes are always free!
Let photo colourization reveal the unique characteristics of your ancestors. To submit your photos for a free quote, please upload your photos here or email them to photopaintercanada@gmail.com and I’ll get back to you right away.
