Can this snapshot be cleaned up?

[deadants]

Well that's another mind blower Viki. I ran the noise Ninja filter over your colored version to try and eliminate some of the grain. I'm not sure if it's an improvement.

[vhansen]

Thanks, deadants.
I also tried running this through NeatImage, and I didn't get the results I was hoping for. I don't like any filters that alter the image so that it no longer looks like a photograph. Many filters used to smooth out grain often produce a painterly effect, and I'd rather see a grainy image that one that is altered.

On the bright side, I often print images such as this, and the grain usually isn't half as bad as it looks on screen.

[Erato]

Wow!  Thanks everybody.  I'm blown away by the colorizing.  Yes I'd really like to have the full size image to send to my father so he can see himself tarted up in a pink nightie.  He might not be too happy - he is a retired color film chemist and not enthusiastic about digital photography.

[uk2003]

That is stunning, once again I tip my hat to Viki & deadants

[vhansen]

Oops, guess I should have gone with yellow.
Erato , send me your email address, and I'll send you the larger file.

[vhansen]

Forgot to attach the fix.

[Rebecca Steele]

What a lovely photo.

vhansen, what a good job you've done with it, I hope you don't mind me asking, but what program did you use to colourise it? As i'd like to do this kind of thing with some of my photos.

Thanks

Chui

[vhansen]

Thanks Chui.
I use Photoshop, but any program that has layers should work.
I must mention though, it's not so much the "program" that makes the coloring, it's knowing how to apply colors, which colors to use, and a willingness to be particular with details.

[Jane Eden]

Vicky

Is there a tutorial on how you did this? It is really nice. I like you delicate touch.

Jane