• Handcolored photos are eye-catchingRustic Dock image by Benjamin Huseman from Fotolia.com
  
  The art of handcoloring photographs began in the early 19th century to compensate for the lack of color film. It is a technique that results in beautiful color translucency that cannot be equaled in common color photography or computer applications. The soft touch application allows control, producing subtle yet vibrant hues. Handcoloring is still an art form enjoyed by photographers and artists, and appreciated by viewers, according to "Shutterbug" magazine. While there are different methods for coloring photos, use of photo oils is widespread. Along with various supplies that impact the final outcome, photo oils produce striking effects.
  
  

Choosing the photo

• Take shots with handcoloring in mindblack and white photography image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
  
  The easiest black and white photos to color are ones that have overall gray tones, which work better than photos with stark black and white areas. Pure black or white areas do not take color well, as picture details are important in working with transparent color photo oils. If possible, take photos with the intention of coloring them in order to plan subject matter, lighting contrasts and weather effects.
  
  

Photo paper

• Paper choice is important when using photo oilsold photo album scans (inc clipping paths) image by pdtnc from Fotolia.com
  
  The type of photo paper used is important when planning to handcolor. Photo oils will not adhere to a glossy finish, so only a matte finish will do. The finish on matte paper has an absorbent texture to hold the color. A resin-coated paper gives a nice rough finish and is appropriate for handcoloring with oils. If for some reason you have a glossy finish that you must work with, then it will be necessary to use a matte finish spray before coloring.
  
  

Choosing colors

• Colors make a statement when handcoloringBlack and White Colour image by Miles Pattison-Appleton from Fotolia.com
  
  Choosing color is the fun part of handcoloring. While choosing color within a natural range is most common, equally popular and more artistically creative is choosing colors that are not natural for the subject being colored, yet work well within the photograph. From sheer transparency to vivid hues used for exciting beauty or vibrant shock value, photo oils lend themselves to the artist’s vision and steady hand. Begin by covering the photo with a background color wash. Generally, a light tint is a good foundation before applying color to specific areas.
  
  

Applying color

• Use cotton-tipped swabs to apply photo oilsears cleaning sticks image by Victor B from Fotolia.com
  
  Color is never applied with a brush. The traditional method of applying photo oils to prints is by using cotton and skewers. This can be achieved by wrapping small tufts of pure cotton on top of toothpicks, or using cotton swabs, generally with some cotton removed. The smaller the cotton tip used the finer the details achieved.
  
  Photo oil pencils are also used for very fine areas and fill-ins. Color should be applied to the print with a light hand. Using circular movements, move the applicator tip in tiny circles, which spreads the paint as it works itself into the print. Start with a light color touch, then build up for deeper color. Drying time, depends on the print size, amount of oils used, and humidity present. Complete drying will take from overnight to a few days. When completely dry, you can spray it with a matte finish for protection.
  
  

Cleaning excess color

• Use cotton-tipped swabs for clean up tooseries object on black - ear cotton image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com
  
  Some areas are meant to stay white: eyes, and teeth in particular, especially in portraits. Other areas need cleaning of excess color. Cleaning up unwanted color is simple: using a clean cotton-tipped applicator apply a special cleaning solution for the oils. A vinyl eraser and other solvents can also work.