How to Hand Color Black and White Photos

Take some photos using black and white film. Choose a subject that means something to you like a pet, child or significant other. Try to take pictures that will have overall light tones. Avoid deep shadows. Keep your subjects simple without too much detail. Get them developed.

Choose a few photographs that you would like to try tinting. Take them back to the photo center. Ask to have them enlarged and also printed on paper with a matt finish. Refuse the glossy finish. Fiber-based paper is best.

Hand paint your photo. Using photo oils, lightly begin to paint the areas of the photo you wish you color. It is a good idea to first dab a bit of paint onto wax paper. Use a small brush or even a cotton swab to apply the paint to the photo. Gently rub in the paint. Use more for deeper color.

Fix your mistakes. You can use a standard eraser to erase paint from areas where you may have painted over the lines. If you wish to start over entirely, you can use a solution called a Marlene solution to erase it entirely. You can buy this solution at any craft store.

Fill in the details if you wish. For smaller areas, use colored pencils or the tiniest of paintbrushes. When you've finally finished the entire photo, let it dry completely before handling it.

Frame your work of art with pride.