Question:
Is this an actual color photo, or is it a very good paint-over?The postcard is from around 1905.http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2230969023

Answer: Almost certainly a hand colored photograph. Althoughcolor photography was done even before 1905 it wasdifficult. Most often it was done by making three colorseparation plates. There were special backs for camerasallowing fairly rapid chaging of the plates and filters butphotography of anything with motion was impossible with somesign of the motion. A great many postcards were printed by adding color to B&Wphotos. You will find many of these on the Los AngelesPublic Library site by searching for hotels or otherlandmarks. Try searching the photo data base for WestlakePark for instance. Most often the original photo is alsothere with the card made from it. Of course, its hard toknow now but I think most of the colors were authentic,i.e., are the right color, although they are oftenexagerated. The eBay card, above, looks faded but wasprobably originally quite vivid.