Photo restoration is something that requires a lot of patience but can be well worth it. Older photos tend to fade over time, leaving them pale and possibly even yellowish or brownish; when someone attempts to restore their old colors it can thus be difficult. Old photo color restoration thus requires that the person restore the old photo and then add color to it, making restoration a difficult process. However, for those attempting to recapture their old memories, this can be a worthwhile process, especially if the photographs are treasured mementos as well.
The First Process
The first problem is that the photograph needs to look like the old photograph, minus any coloration. This means that enough of the old photograph needs to have survived and that it cannot have suffered too much damage. While slight damage is easy to fix, it becomes a much more complicated process if the photograph is missing a lot of detail; if too much detail is missing it can be worked around but the picture will not look as good as it could. This also means that the restorer needs to very careful; it is entirely likely that a picture may not be able to be restored due to significant damage and loss of too much detail.
Re-colorization
Adding color to the picture can be a difficult process in and of itself. The biggest problem is making sure that all of the colors work; sometimes this can involve some research to make sure that the colors are accurate. Also, it requires some pretty exacting details; matching patterns of clothing and furniture can require a really good eye. Adding to the challenge is that some colors have not been in use for decades and need to be created in the studio. Between the research, patterns, and color matching, color restoration can be rather challenging.
Old photo color restoration is thus a two-step problem that requires a lot of patience and an exacting eye. This can make restoring old photos all sort of interesting, but well worth it for the person ordering the restoration. After all, we are a visual-based species, and sometimes getting all of the colors right can help a person jump right to the memory; that moment of recognition can make it worth it for some restorers. All told, it can be an exacting process but it can be one well worth at least attempting, especially for especially dear memories.
