Black and white photos are often the most precious in a family: grandpa as a young man, your parents' wedding, the first home. The natural question is whether they suit a film, and how to get ready. The short answer is yes, if you prepare them well.
What exactly happens to a black and white photo?
The photo is used as it is. It stays black and white, and the film gives it movement. There is no automatic colorizing, and no repair of stains or scratches. What you see in the photo is what you will see in the film.
That is why the quality of the original matters. A photo with clear faces and good contrast gives a good result. A very faded or blurry photo gives a weaker result, and we have no way to improve it.
How do I photograph a black and white print?
Most old photos are printed, so you need to photograph them:
In daylight. Next to a window, with no flash, so there is no glare on the paper.
Straight from above. That way the photo does not look crooked.
Out of the glass frame. Take the photo out, because glass reflects light.
Close, with the whole photo in frame. The photo should fill the shot, without extra margins.
Check sharpness. If the faces are not clear, shoot again.
Full details are in the guide to photographing an old album with your phone.
Which photos work well?
| Type of photo | Does it work? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Clear faces, good contrast | Yes | Best result |
| Large group photo, small faces | Sometimes | The faces are small, so it is less precise |
| Very faded photo | Less so | It will not be improved, and the result will be weak |
| Photo with scratches | Yes, but they stay | Scratches are not fixed |
| Blurry photo | Less so | Better to swap in a sharper one |
If you have several photos of the same person, pick the sharpest one.
How do I mix black and white photos with color ones?
You can mix them, and the mix even shows the time that has passed. Two simple tips: arrange the photos by date, so the film moves from black and white to color without you noticing, or split the film into chapters. A family history film can begin in black and white and end with photos from today. Read more in the article on family history videos.
If you want to see how it looks, there is a sample memories film on the animate old photos page.
Which type of film suits black and white photos?
Black and white photos of several people, places, and events suit a memories film, where each photo gets a few seconds of movement. If all the photos are of one person through the years, consider a growing-up film. The difference between the two types is explained in a separate article.
How do I keep the feel of an old photo?
The charm of a black and white photo is its mood, so there is no need to fight it. A few tips: choose calm music that fits the era, keep the photos in their natural size and order, and do not try to fit too many photos into a minute. 12 photos in a minute give each photo about 5 seconds, which is a good time to look at the faces and details.
It is also worth writing down who is who. Old photos lose their story when the people who remembered them are no longer here. The opening or ending card can include names and years, so the film keeps the knowledge, too.
How much does it cost?
| Length | Photos | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 minute | 12 | ₪79.90 |
| 2 minutes | 24 | ₪159.90 |
| 3 minutes | 36 | ₪219.90 |
You can use anywhere from 2 to 100 photos, and there is an exact package for every number in between. The first 2 animations are free, no credit card, once per person, so you can see how your photo looks before you pay.
What should I know before I start?
- The film aims to keep everyone looking like themselves. With old photos there is sometimes a small difference. You can try another version or swap a photo. Extra tries and photo swaps are included in every package.
- There is no narration and there are no subtitles. There is music, an opening card, and an ending card.
- The film is usually ready 10 to 20 minutes after payment.
The full film is HD in 16:9, with no watermark, and you can download it or share a link.
Frequently asked questions
Can you colorize black and white photos?
No. Photos go in as they are, in black and white.
Can you fix scratches or stains?
No. We do not restore photos.
Can I mix black and white photos with color ones?
Yes, in the same film.
What do I do with a very faded photo?
Photograph it again in good light, or swap it for a sharper photo from the same period.
Can I try before I pay?
Yes. The first 2 animations are free, no credit card, once per person.
Can I get a refund?
You can request a refund within 30 days of purchase, under the refund policy on the site.
