again in colour

WW1 soldier photos

Your WW1 soldier, in colour.

Upload his portrait, whether it's a postcard from the mantelpiece or a scan from the family album, and see it in colour in about twenty seconds. Your first one is free.

First one free, no sign-up. Ready in about 20 seconds.

Have a code?
Private Walter Chibnall and his son Billy, 1916, in colour
Private Walter Chibnall and his son Billy, 1916, original
BeforeAfter
Private Walter Chibnall and his son Billy, 1916. Drag to compare.

What to expect.

  • Postcards and studio portraits work well

    Many WW1 portraits were printed as postcards. A clear scan, or a phone photo taken straight on in daylight, colours well.

  • The colours are a best estimate

    The model knows khaki and skin tones well. Badges, collar patches and piping can't be read from a black-and-white print, so check details that matter against his service record.

  • Damage stays

    Colouring doesn't repair the print. Cracks and spots stay, and a very faded photo comes out softer.

Private Hugh Hughes, a miner from Carmel in north Wales, 1916, in colour
Private Hugh Hughes, a miner from Carmel in north Wales, 1916, original
BeforeAfter
Private Hugh Hughes, a miner from Carmel in north Wales, 1916

For many families it's the only photo of him there is. In colour, he looks like someone you might know.

Colour yours free

Questions

Good to know.

Can you colour a WW1 photo from a postcard?

Yes. Scan the postcard, or photograph it straight on in daylight without glare, and upload it. The preview is free.

Will the uniform be the right colour?

Usually close, but not guaranteed. Khaki comes out well; badges, patches and piping are the model's estimate, so check them against records if accuracy matters.

How much does it cost?

Previews are free: one straight away, and up to three if you add your email. Keeping one photo costs £9, five photos cost £19 and twenty-five cost £49, paid once, with VAT included.

What happens to my photos?

They're deleted automatically after 7 days. They're used only to colour your photo, and we never share them.

Prices, privacy and more on the home page. Other kinds of photo: Old wedding photos · Victorian photos · WW2 photos · Edwardian photos · Old photos of children