Breathtaking Photos You Won’t Believe Were Originally Black-And-White

Though the first color photograph was taken in 1861, the medium was not used by the public until Kodak came out with color cameras in the 1930s.

Nowadays, we take for granted our ability to fit a super-powerful color camera in our pockets. What many ‘ooh-ed’ and ‘awww-ed’ at just under a century ago is now commonplace. Some might even find irony in the fact that many people now filter their color photos to black and white for an artsy effect. But when you see the below pictures, which were originally black-and-white but later artfully colorized, you’ll truly appreciate how impactful the presence of different hues really is.

1. This photo of Babe Ruth was taken in 1924.

2. Frederick Douglas was a famous abolitionist, orator, and social reformer.

3. Taken in 1889, this photo depicts homeless, shoeless children in NYC.

4. She positively glows.