The skill and research behind restoring ship photographs

Have you used modern tools to repair and colorize old photographs, and can they reveal information about ships or infrastructure?

Yes, but trustworthy enhancement requires specialist technique and historical research; the software is only one part of the evidentiary work.

Repairing and colorizing old photographs can reveal additional information about ships and infrastructure. Specialist experience still matters because the work combines technical skill, research and artistic judgment. Learning some of the techniques helps a historian work intelligently with specialists and recognize their contribution. Photoshop layer masks are given as one method of colorization. The mechanics become relatively straightforward with practice, while doing the work well still requires the wider research and judgment.