Hand Colored Photographs

All of the early photographic processes were monochromatic and early on there was a desire for full color. The practice of adding color by hand began early in the practice of the medium. Adding color to the fragile surface of the daguerreotype was difficult. The advent photographs on paper made it much easier.

Even after color photography became possible and eventually even easy hand coloring was still practiced as a cheaper alternative to color processes or as an artistic varient.