Reviving Colour Photos.

[derekpara]

Is there any way of reviving the colour(s) of several old photos taken about 50 yrs ago ?

They've been in a book all these years and not exposed to daylight but have faded somewhat and lost quite a bit of their contrast.

I don't hold out much hope, but what do I know !?

Cheers. D

[jno]

there are pros who do this sort of thing

https://www.photo-revival.com/meet-dominic/

and amateurs with Photoshop on their computers may be able to do it too (I've spruced up a lot of my old ones)

[237SJ]

Might be worth contacting Max Spielmann about it.

[bhg481]

I've done it as described by jno. I scanned the photos into my computer and played about with photoshop - there are lots of other programs available. It doesn't take a lot of skill to just up the contrast, exposure and colour saturation a bit; you can then run them off on a colour printer or put them on a memory stick and take them to a shop.

[Buenchico]

Scan each photo and upload it to the AI Picture Restorer on Hotpot.ai:
https://hotpot.ai/restore-picture
It's an amazing tool!

(Note: Don't be deterred by the reference to 'credits' on that page. While several of the services offered by Hotpot.ai do require users to purchase credits, the basic photo restoration service is a freebie).

Alternatively, scan the images and email them to someone who uses Photoshop or GIMP. It should be possible for them to return the pictures to close to (or even better than) their original state. If you'd like me to do it for you, just let me know and I'll provide an email address).

[webbo3]

This guy is amazing, I follow him on twitter
https://images.app.goo.gl/nCfprzo8QYYpaCdx7

[webbo3]

A couple more photos here, remember these were taken over 100 years ago
https://images.app.goo.gl/TLNU8zyf9hp79zXA7

[derekpara]

Thanks very much to you all. Fantastic answers. Now I know that it can be done.
A special thanks to you, Chris for your very kind offer. Above and beyond as usual.
The problem is that the photos ( about 20 ) are glued into an academic study I produced as part of my teaching degree in the early 70s (Mature student). The photos I took were in support of some research into a Medieval building in Kent. I typed the text onto hand-made paper ( no pc's then) and bound the lot in Morrocan leather. It all helped with my degree but I hesitate to try and unstick the photos for obvious reasons. In addition, the binding is quite tight and would protest at being prised open to fit inside a scanner !
I suppose I could send the book to one of the professional magicians recommended by my kind supporters but I really don't want to take any risks with it as my adult children, who have a heart-warming interest in history, have put a marker on it for when I am no longer around !

Apologies for waffling on but your most helpful answers deserve a meaningful response.
Cheers.
D

[THECORBYLOON]

Would working from an image of each photo be an idea?

If a 'phone were used to take an image of each photo, that should be easier than using a photocopier but it might be awkward getting the angles correct.

[derekpara]

That's well worth a try, TC. Thanks.

D

[Buenchico]

Ideally, you need an experienced photographer, with a macro lens on his camera, to photograph the pictures while using a proper lighting set-up. However simply taking the photos in daylight (preferably outdoors, under cloudy skies) might turn out to be good enough.

From there, a few quick adjustments in Photoshop or GIMP should be all that's needed.

[Canary42]

I've seen advertised (can't remember where I'm afraid) a scanner which works from an overhead scan (like a camera) which could possibly be an answer. (I'll have a search round to see if I can locate the ad)

[Canary42]

I just googled "overhead scanners" which produced several possibilities, but a tad pricey I'm afraid.

[derekpara]

Thanks, Chris & Canary42.
This is the essence of AB's purpose.
Cheers.

D