Can you animate black-and-white photos? Yes, and here's how
For the studio portraits, the wartime snapshots and the wedding photos that were never in colour.
Yes, you can animate black-and-white photos. Animation works from the shape of the face, not its colour, so a monochrome portrait can smile, blink or turn its head just as naturally as a colour one. At zazsi, black-and-white prints are restored where needed, gently animated and checked by a person, from $19 for the first photo.
Why black-and-white photos often work so well
Many of the photos people most want to see move are the oldest ones: great-grandparents, a wedding in the 1940s, a parent as a child. Those are usually black-and-white. Studio portraits from that era were often taken carefully, with the face front-on and well lit, which is exactly what gives a natural animation.
There is also something about the contrast. An old monochrome print that suddenly breathes feels both familiar and new.
What affects the result
- Face size. A portrait or half-body shot works better than a tiny face in a wide scene.
- Angle. Faces looking roughly towards the camera animate most naturally. Full profiles are harder.
- Contrast. Very washed-out or very dark prints lose detail around the eyes and mouth. Restoration helps here.
- Damage. Cracks, spots and creases across the face can usually be repaired before animating.
How to photograph an old black-and-white print
- Take it out of the frame or album sleeve if you can.
- Lay it flat near a window, out of direct sun.
- Hold your phone straight above it and fill the frame.
- Turn the flash off and tilt slightly to remove any shine.
- Take two or three shots and send the sharpest.
Don’t add filters or boost the contrast yourself. Send the photo as it is; we’ll handle the restoration.
Keep it black-and-white, or add colour?
By default we animate the photo as it is, so it keeps the character of the original print. If you’d like it in colour, just say so in the notes when you order and we’ll colourise it before animating. Colourising is an interpretation, since the original colours weren’t recorded, so if you know details like eye colour or the colour of a dress, add them to your note.
Ideas for black-and-white photos
- A grandparents’ wedding portrait for an anniversary
- An old family portrait for a Christmas gift
- Several generations combined into a short film with music
For the full process, read our main guide to animating old photos.
Frequently asked questions
Do black-and-white photos animate as well as colour ones?
Yes. What matters most is a clear, reasonably large face, not colour.
Can you colourise my black-and-white photo?
Yes, on request. Mention it in the notes when you order. If you don’t ask, the photo stays black-and-white.
My print is very old and faded. Is it too far gone?
Often not. Fading and creases can usually be restored. If a photo won’t give a natural result, we tell you honestly.
How does ordering work?
Choose how many photos you want and pay through Stripe, then upload them through the private link we email you after payment. You receive an HD video for each photo, plus the restored still image, through a private link, usually in 2 to 4 business days (often sooner) once your photos arrive. One round of changes is included.
How much does it cost?
$19 for the first photo and $9 for each extra one. A montage film with music is +$49.