Prasad

Learn How to create selective color image in Photoshop -

Many times selective color images convey the message more strongly than just a color or monochrome image. Photoshop has provided the freedom to work on a color image to get final desired result.

Although, nothing is predictable or can be planned to get good result in photography, the best out come or result is still depend on basic skill of human being – i.e. Creativity.

Here is my methodology for SC processing -

There is no thumb rule for an image used for selective color processing. You can use Portraits, Landscapes, Stills, Candid images, Macro or any of your choice. Once you decide to work on any image real PS fun begins.

I selected Colors of Life for SC processing.

1. Open an image as a new file or copy of original image.

2. Make a duplicate layer ( CTRL + J )

3. Convert the image to Black and White using Desaturate command. ( Image > Adjustments > Desaturate OR just press CTRL + SHIFT + U ) or the Channel mixer ( Image > Adjustment > Channel Mixer ). Color information of the original image will be removed and image will appear B&W.

4. While the top layer is selected adjust image resolution to 100% or just press ALT + CTRL + 0.

5. Now select History brush tool to retrieve details from original image.

6. Adjust brush size, opacity and flow to the desired level. ( This can be done by experimenting ).

7. Start painting on the area you want to bring back for color.

8. Since, it is a brush you can literally “bring back” only certain parts of the image by painting them.

9. Finally just FLATTEN the image. LAYER – Flatten Image. Save to desired file extention TIF, PSD or JPG Usually, I prefer TIF for original and then convert to JPG.

I got the final result in Intent . . . . . . .

I humbly say, I am not a Photoshop expert, I still have to go a lot distance but sharing this method will help many, as this form of art was one of my dreams and thought it might not be a reality for me.

But it happened for me, and wish to happen it for many :)

PS : You can create a copy of original background layer and experiment with blending options to create perfection keeping upper most layer as described above untouched.

Prasad