**Program Tutorials** : Digital Image Pro : *Technique

This tutorial demonstrates how to restore color to black and white photo’s. There are two possible methods to color the photograph. The tint tool Touch-Up> Other Photo Repair> Tint Brush is ideal for adding small amounts of color, such as rosy cheeks, to an image.

The use of the freehand painting tool is more suitable for this project.

Any repairs or editing that the photo requires should be completed before beginning the color process. This original photograph, pre and post editing shown below, was taken sometime in the early 1930’s.

If desired, or if the original colors are known, choose or create a color palette that you wish to work with. I have created a color palette that I plan to use for reference, and dragged it onto my photograph.

With your photograph selected, choose Effects> Paintbrush> Freehand

Choose your first area to paint and zoom in appropriately.

To choose a color click More Color choices and use the eyedropper tool to select a color from your palette.

Click Done to return to the main paint window.

Choose Customize Paint Settings, adjust the paint transparency to 75 and then click the left arrow to return to the main paint window.

Select a brush size to suit your project. I am beginning with size 38. Position the brush over the area to paint and then click and drag the brush.

The effect of the paint brush is cumulative. That is, if you release the mouse button, reposition and paint where it overlaps another area it puts down another layer of paint. Below I have painted a stripe through the middle of my original coloring to demonstrate the effect. Each over paint would become successively darker.

Alter the brush size and zoom in as you work on different areas of the photo. I choose a large brush to begin with and paint large areas, the use smaller brush sizes for details and edges. From time to time zoom to a full width view to check your progress.

You can also alter the brush type during the process by choosing Customize Paint Settings and choosing from the shapes available.

You can change any of the options as you work without exiting from your project.

Click Undo Last Action to undo any errors – it takes you back to the last release of the mouse. Selecting the Eraser Paint tool will allow you to erase mistakes.

Select Paint Tool: Eraser

Your tool settings will remain the same so you may need to change the Customize Paint Settings> Transparency >0% or use over brushing to create a cumulative erase effect. The eraser is ideal for cleaning up edges of your painting by using a hard, small brush. Zoom in on the area and work carefully.

Remember to reset the transparency to 75 before beginning to paint again.

You may wish to select Done and save your work periodically as you work.

You could color only selected areas such as shown below.

With patience you can color the entire photo.