Colouring black & white photos

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail....oric-photographs.html

Could such superb colourisation of black and white photographs be achieved by using a normal computer photo imaging suite?

If not how do you think this artist achieved these spectacular results?

[Dudley]

I don't know the answer to your question but agree that the quality of the colour transformation is absolutely superb and it will be interesting to find out whether (if any) a commercial program is available or if it was achieved by the wizardry of Daily Mail experts. Personally, I don't believe that photos ever achieve the drama generated by original black and white prints.

[Dudley]

Sorry, that final sentence should have read 'I don't believe that colour photos ever achieve the same level of drama generated by black and white originals'.

[Gromit]

Photoshop can handle technically, this task easily, but to get the colourisation to look 'true' is very difficult and a skilful' art.

I did one several years ago, and my client was happy and paid, but it wasn't easy.

http://photoshopbox.c...ack-and-white-photos/

[Gromit]

Just to comment on the photos in the link. I don't really think that colourisation adds anything to the photos. In fact, the black and white versions are better, more dramatic and evocative.

[anotheoldgit]

Must admit that black & white photos are more dramatic and evocative, strange that is, some photographers will not shoot in anything else.

I think the same regarding cinema films, the black & white ones are still the best, the talking ones that is.

But perhaps that is a generation thingy.

[venator]

In B&W, the composition and tonal range are the vital factors - pictures and films are often "stronger" as a result.

With colour, it's easier to get a striking picture by having a splash of colour, and there are a lot of pictures which are little more than snaps. Photographers whizz off dozens of shots on the basis that one will be OK.

I remember with my Mamiya twin lens reflex, or my big Bronica on a heavy tripod, spending hours at a time waiting for the right lighting conditions.

Those were the days! Anyone want a Bronica kit? Cheap

[ll_billym]

The actual mechanics of doing it are fairly easy but to get it looking that good is very skillful. For instance the fire in 'The Burning Monk' must have been incredibly time consuming - and any skin tone would be a nightmare.