Old sepia-ish photo to colour

[meetdilip]

GIMP Version: 2.10.14
Operating System: Linux
OS Version: Ubuntu 18.04
GIMP Experience: Basic Level

List any relevant plug-ins or scripts:
NA

List any ERROR messages you received:
NA

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Hi, I have an old photo which is black and white originally. But due to the age of it, it is more or less having a natural sepia filter. If possible, I would like to have it converted to a colour photo. It is a passport like photo, only up to chest. Is there any plugin or filter using which I can achieve this ? Thanks.

[Wallace]

In the example below.
I show one way of accomplishing the coloring of a sepia/B&W photo.


This is my result,
with only a single layer used for coloring.

The amount of detail you wish to add is up to you.
You could us a separate layer for every color,
or you can do as I have and use a single layer for the color.
This is merely one of the ways of accomplishing this task.

[meetdilip]

Thanks. I will try

" Color layer " is a manual operation ?

[sallyanne]

You could try it this way as well https://turbofuture.com/graphic-design- ... P-Tutorial
I have followed it in the past and have been successful.
Can be time consuming though so I don't do it often.


Also GMiC has a colour option but it too is not an immediate thing and not always the best way to colour photos, each color layer needs to be given a different amout of opacity and even probably a different blending mode. GMIC is probably best for just line art.

[Wallace]

Thanks. I will try

" Color layer " is a manual operation ?

Yes,
this is done by creating a new layer above the B&W layer.
Click the B&W layer within the layers dialog,
to make it the active layer.

Go to: Layer > New Layer.
The New Layer dialog will open click OK.
This should create a new layer,
above the B&W layer for adding any color.

[meetdilip]

@sallyanne @Wallace, thanks.

The photo has some dots on it as well. Any way to clear the noise without manually cleaning them ?

[sallyanne]

You could try despeckle but otherwise no, unless you want to not ruin your photo

Better still, post your photo here in the photo retoration and enhancement forum and a few people may give it a go for you.

[meetdilip]

Thanks @sallyanne. I couldn't find an option for " despeckle ".

[sallyanne]

It's under Filter - enhance. Or it was. I only have 2.10.14

[meetdilip]

Works like a charm. Thanks.

[david]

Some time ago I was asked to write a tutorial to explain the method I use for colouring photographs.
viewtopic.php?f=23&t=16112
It is labour-intensive, but perhaps allows for accurate control of the process and subsequent adjustments.

david.

[meetdilip]

Thanks @david . I will check the guide