Photo colourisation
Bring Old Photographs to Life with Hand Colourisation
Colour can bring a different sense of closeness to an old photograph — a face you recognise, a wedding day or a moment from family life.
We add colour by hand to a digital copy, with attention to natural tones, light and the details you remember. It is an optional companion to photo restoration.
Request a colourisation quote
An example of our hand colourisation work. Move the divider to compare.
Start with the photograph’s condition
Restoration Before Colourisation
If your photograph is damaged, we’ll assess the repair work before discussing colour. You can keep a restored black-and-white image, or ask us about adding a colour version.
Colour with care
How We Colourise Photographs by Hand
A convincing colourisation needs to follow the photograph’s light, texture and detail. We consider how colours behave in highlights and shadows, and how neighbouring surfaces influence one another.
Natural skin tones
Faces contain subtle variations in colour. We pay attention to those differences rather than applying one flat tone.
Light and shadow
Sunlight, shade and reflections all affect how colour appears across clothing, skin and surroundings.
Personal details
The colours you remember help us make the result more meaningful — from someone’s eyes to a favourite outfit.
A black-and-white photograph does not record the exact original colours. Reference photographs and family knowledge guide the work; without them, some colour choices are an interpretation.
Your memories help shape the result
The Details You Can Share
You don’t need to know every colour. Share what you can, and let us know if a particular detail needs to be right.
Hair and eyes
Tell us the hair and eye colours of the people shown, where you know them.
Clothing and surroundings
Mention remembered colours of clothing, uniforms, flowers or other important objects.
Reference photographs
Other colour photographs can help, along with the approximate date, place and any family context.
If a colour is unknown, tell us that too. We can discuss how to approach it.
From first enquiry to finished colour
How Photo Colourisation Works
Show us the photograph
Send a suitable digital scan or image with the colour details you know. If it needs repairs, mention those too.
Agree the approach
We’ll assess the photograph, discuss restoration where needed and confirm the colourisation work and cost with you.
Decide how to enjoy it
Tell us whether you would also like a fine art print or a framed photograph, and mention any gift date when you enquire.
A personal gift
A Personal Gift
A colourised wedding portrait or family photograph can make a thoughtful birthday or anniversary gift. The details you share help connect the finished image to the people who know it best.
If you would like something to display, explore our fine art prints and framing and mount options.
Ask us about your photographPrefer the original black and white?
Colourisation is a choice. If you love the photograph as it is but want the damage repaired, our restoration service can help preserve that character.
Real colourisation examples
See Black-and-White Photographs Brought into Colour
Move the dividers to compare the original photographs with the finished hand-colourised versions.
Photo Colourisation FAQs
Does my photograph need restoration before colourisation?
If it has tears, creases, marks or fading, repair work may be needed first. We’ll assess the image and discuss the restoration and colourisation together.
Can you know the exact original colours?
Not from a black-and-white photograph alone. Your references and recollections help guide the work. Where colours are unknown, we make considered choices and explain that they are an interpretation.
Will the original photograph be changed?
No. Colourisation is carried out on a digital copy, so your original print remains unchanged.
What if I don’t know the hair, eye or clothing colours?
Send the photograph anyway and share any details you do know. We can discuss the unknown colours before you decide.
My colour photograph has faded. Is this the right service?
Faded or discoloured colour photographs usually need photo restoration and colour correction. Send us the image and we’ll advise on the work it needs.
How much does colourisation cost, and how long does it take?
It depends on the image, the detail involved and any restoration needed first. Request a quote and mention any deadline so we can discuss the cost and timing.
Request a Colourisation Quote
Share the image and the colours that matter to you. We’ll help you explore what is possible.
Request a colourisation quote