Put yourself in the picture for image restoration

Scots with old photos are being urged to enter a competition to have them digitally restored and colourised.

CEWE is calling on those with black and white photos in Scotland, to post their image to Instagram using #ColourMyPhoto, to be in with a chance of having their old images totally transformed.

Working with a celebrated photo restoration artist, James Paterson, CEWE will choose the lucky winners to have their old snaps restored and showcased in full colour.

The campaign is designed to bring memories back to life using modern technology to both restore and colourise images from across the UK. The competition will see a total of 10 images being restored, and it is hoped the initiative will help to shed light on what life was like prior to colour photography and film being introduced en masse in the 1970’s.

James Paterson, the artist commissioned by CEWE to help showcase Britain in full colour has already transformed hundreds of old images.

James said: ‘Often it can be hard to truly understand the narrative of old photos. Over time the quality of the print deteriorates and the monochrome tones can make the subject, be it architectural or old family members, seem so distant. That’s the real beauty of photo restoration, it provides us with a fresh glimpse into a time gone by.

‘By colourising and restoring old images, we’re able to remove the barriers of time and breathe new life into these stories. That’s what I’m working with CEWE to achieve, this competition is about bringing moments to life for its winners – I really can’t think of a more precious gift!’

Clare Moreton, digital marketing director, from CEWE added: ‘We understand all too well the positive impact a photo can have on someone and what a wonderful gift it can make, so the idea of bringing a moment time has forgotten back to life is really special. We can’t wait to pour over the images and select the lucky winners, we’re sure the images will look amazing and reveal secrets from the past as we’ve never seen before.’

Those wanting to enter the competition can upload the image using the hashtag #ColourMyPhoto on Instagram. The deadline for entry is 24 April and the winners of the competition will be announced on 26 April.