This is a black-and-white portrait photograph of a young woman, taken in a classic studio or posed setting.
She is looking over her shoulder towards the camera with a gentle smile, which gives the image a warm, personal quality. Her hair is styled in soft curls, framing her face, and the backdrop appears to be a patterned curtain, which was a common background choice in mid-20th century portraits.
Starting point
Despite minor wear and softness, the image retains charm and character.
The pose, smile, and clear detail in the hair and eyes make it a strong, evocative portrait, but it would benefit from gentle restoration and enhancement to clean up marks, deepen the tones, and bring out more depth in the image.
The finished product
This finished restoration and colourisation has transformed the original black-and-white portrait into a vibrant, lifelike image. The subject’s soft curls are beautifully defined, with natural, warm brown tones that add depth and realism. Her skin appears smooth, fresh, and evenly toned, free from the blemishes and marks present in the original photograph.
The eyes are clear and bright, capturing expression and personality, while the lips have been given a gentle, natural colour that enhances her smile. The background has been completely modernised: the patterned fabric has been replaced with a richly detailed golden wallpaper and paneling, creating a timeless and elegant setting that frames the portrait without distraction.
Overall, the restoration preserves the warmth and charm of the original pose while presenting it in a clean, high-definition finish. The combination of careful retouching, balanced colourisation, and refined background makes this a polished, display-ready portrait that feels both true to the subject and beautifully refreshed for today.