Black and white to colour photographs

Changing black and white photographs to colour using Adobe Photoshop.

I was keen to see how well the new plugin worked. I coloured this photograph taken in 1963 showing an aircraft doing a low level airdrop. The photographer David Taylor gave me permission to use his image. Using Photoshop’s new plugin, it produced a convincing colour render of the scene. However, there were some areas which needed work. As a result, I tweaked some areas for more precise colouring. It worked well with the sky and grass, but, the aircraft needed a bit of work. But overall, it did a great job rendering the black and white photograph giving me a base to work from.

Converting old black and white photos to colour is very popular now. Restoring old images takes really brings the images home. Also converting old films such as scenes from the first world war etc. As a result of this growing technology, films are brought up to date in the viewing sense.

This photo has a lot of meaning to me. My dad flew on Hastings when posted to 48 Squadron at RAF Changi, Singapore. As a family, we were there for two years. I was brought up on RAF bases. Consequently, I love aviation and flying. The Hastings is practicing dropping ‘Derby Sacks’ on Changi airfield.  These skills were vital in supplying troops in the Borneo jungle. Seeing it as a colour photograph really makes a personal connection with me.

Changing black and white to colour photographs is very exciting. It really brings photographs to life. There are many websites out there which do this sort of thing. Some have a restriction on file sizes. However, with Photoshop, that’s not an issue now. It certainly takes the restoring and colouring of very large file sizes to a new level. As a result, you can refine in more detail.

To view more of David’s photos, visit: www.davidtaylorimages.co.uk

I’ll have to ask if he wants me to pay me to change his other black and white photos to glorious colour!