Color photography was attempted beginning in the 1840s. Early experiments were directed at finding a “chameleon substance” which would assume the color of the light falling on it. Some encouraging early results, typically obtained by projecting a solar spectrum directly onto the sensitive surface, seemed to promise eventual success, but the comparatively dim image formed in a camera required exposures lasting for hours or even days. The quality and range of the color was sometimes severely limited.
Originally, all photographs were monochromatic or hand-painted in color. Although methods for developing color photos were available as early as 1861, they did not become widely available until the 1940s or 50s, and even so, until the 1960s most photographs were taken in black and white. Since then, color photography has dominated popular photography, although black and white is still used, being easier to develop than color.
All of the images below are courtesy of a coloring artist who goes by “KibblesNBits” on Reddit. A little about his process:
When deciding the color of objects, I do research to find as much as I can about the pic or location. Sometimes it comes down to artistic license. There are tv shows and movies that take place in the 1900’s so I check those out for color choices. – KibbleNBits, Reddit
We weren’t able to find the “original” for all of the photos, but given the dates on these photos, it’s pretty apparent they were taken in black and white – you get to use your imagination, yay!
Ready to be fascinated? Here you go:
1920 Ford Lincoln “Model T”
Robert Kennedy, Bluefield West Virginia – 1960
1956 Drive-In Theatre Hotshot Eastbound, Iaeger WV
A Day at the Beach – 1930s USA
Origin Unknown
Bowdoin College, Maine – 1981 – Tug of War Team
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“Boys and Girls” Caldwell Idaho – 1941
Cappoquin Rowing Club – Ireland – 1885
Car Wreck, Washington D.C. – 1923
New Jersey Boardwalk – 1901 (original)
New Jersey Boardwalk – 1901 (Colored)
5th Avenue & 44th Street, NYC – 1939
Oldsmobile Dealership, Brooklyn – 1950
American Cowboy – 1888
Train Travel – USA, 1910
Woman with Car, Berlin – 1956 (Original)
Woman with Car, Berlin – 1956 (Colorized)
