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5/22/22, 9:50 PM Adding color to an old photo

Adding color to an old photo


 
by JuliannaKunstler.com

GALLERY
STEPS

step 1

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5/22/22, 9:50 PM Adding color to an old photo

Find an old black-and-white


photograph with one or more person in
it. You can use one of your family
photos if you want to.

The photo should be a good quality


scan.

Open it in PhotoShop.

Duplicate the background layer. You


are going to do adjustments and
coloring to the copied layer.

Keep the original image (layer) in case


you need it.

step 2
Remove all colors:

Image > Adjustments > Desaturate

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5/22/22, 9:50 PM Adding color to an old photo

Adjust the levels if your image is not


contrasted enough, or too dark / light.

Image > Adjustment > Levels

step 3
 

Add a layer. Name in COLOR.

Change blending mode to "color".

Use a soft brush (hardness 0).

In Brush's Options - set Opacity


between 10 and 50%

Pick a skin color.

Apply to the face, hands, etc.

Set Eraser tool to hardness 80 - 100%


to remove paint.

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5/22/22, 9:50 PM Adding color to an old photo

Save colors as swatches - so you can


fix, adjust, restore the painted areas.

You can give your swatches names.

step 4
Continue painting the rest of the image.

You can use multiple layers for coloring.

Try different Blending modes - in addition to COLOR - it can be OVERLAY or others.

step 5
After you are done - it's time to place
"before" and "after" images next to
each other.

Go to the Menu bar:

Image > Canvas Size

1. Double the Width


2. Move the anchor to the left
(as shown).

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5/22/22, 9:50 PM Adding color to an old photo

You will heave an extra space next to


your colored photograph.

Use Move tool.

Convert Background layer (original


photo) to Layer 0.

Move the original photo to the right.

Add a signature.

Print.

.
...

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5/22/22, 9:50 PM Adding color to an old photo

Copyright © 2008-2022 Julianna Kunstler

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