Photo Colorization Service in California, USA
See Your Family in Color — For the First Time.
You've seen the photo a hundred times. Grandma on her wedding day. Your grandfather in uniform. A family portrait from the 1940s. It's always been black and white. You've never seen them in color. That can change.
Photo colorization adds natural, realistic color to black and white photos. Done well, it feels like seeing a whole new side of a memory you already love.
Since 2018, I've colorized hundreds of old photos for families across California and the US. I do every colorization by hand. I study the photo, the time period, and every detail in the image before I add a single color.
The result looks real — not like a filter. Like the photo was always in color.
What Black and White Photos Look Like Before Colorization
Not every black and white photo is the same. Here's what I work with most:
Family portraits from the 1900s through the 1960s
Wedding photos taken before color film was common
Military portraits and service photos
Baby and childhood photos from older generations
Historical images passed down through families
Yearbook photos and school portraits
Photos that have also faded or been damaged over time
If your photo is black and white — or has turned gray from age — it can be colorized.
How We Add Color to Your Black and White Photos — Step by Step
You send us your photo — upload a scan through our website or mail us the original
We study the photo carefully — clothing styles, time period, skin tones, and setting all guide our color choices
We colorize by hand — every layer of color is added manually, not by an automated tool or AI filter
You review and approve — we show you the colorized version before finishing; changes are included
You get a high-resolution color file — ready to print, frame, or share with family
Brand line: "I, Jeremy Blum, personally work on every photo. No shortcuts, no filters — just careful, skilled work."
See black and white photos brought to life in color. Real family photos, real results.
Before and after faded photo restoration — Bay Area Photo Restoration
Colorization pricing is based on how detailed the photo is and how much is in the image.
Starting
From $25
Simple portrait with plain background
⭐ 5-Star Rated
Moderate
Custom Quote
Group photo or detailed setting
All quotes are free. You'll know the price before I start. No hidden fees.
Severe
Custom Quote
Complex scene or photo needing repair first
Frequently Asked Questions About Photo Colorization Service
Will the colors look real or fake?
1
When done by hand, colorization looks very natural. I research the era and use colors that fit the time period — not random guesses. That said, no one can know the exact color of your grandmother's dress. I work from what's visible in the photo and make careful choices. You'll see a preview and can ask for changes.
Can you colorize a photo that's also damaged?
2
Yes. Many photos I colorize have also been torn, faded, or stained. I restore the damage first, then add color. I'll include both in your quote.
Do you use AI to colorize?
3
No. I colorize every photo by hand using professional editing software. AI colorization tools exist, but the results often look flat or wrong. Hand-done colorization takes longer but looks far better.
What if I don't like the colors chosen?
4
You see a preview before the final file is delivered. If a color looks wrong to you — or if you know what color something should be — tell me and I'll fix it. Your input helps make it accurate.
How long does colorization take?
5
Most colorization jobs take 5 to 10 business days. More detailed photos may take a little longer. Rush service is available in 2 to 3 days.
Trust Bay Area Photo Restoration
I'm Jeremy Blum at Bay Area Photo Restoration in Vallejo, California. Since 2018, I've colorized hundreds of old photos for families. I work with families across the Bay Area — San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, San Jose, Napa, Berkeley, and Fairfield — and with clients from every state. I do every colorization by hand. I study the photo, the time period, and every detail in the image before I add a single color.
Your memories matter, no matter where you are.