Photo colors

[luvmy2boys]

Ok, I'm still working hard at understanding how Photoshop works, but I can't figure out how to get one part of my picture to be in color and the rest black and white. I want to do two different things:

1. The whole picture in black and white and one item in full color. For example, if I had a picture of my son holding an apple and I want the apple in color (red skin, white flesh from his bite, brown stem, etc) but the rest of the photo is in black and white.

2. The same picture but I want anything that is red to be in color but everything else in b&w- so the red skin of the apple, a bit of red on his shirt, and his lips would be red but nothing else.

Any ideas on how to do this in the easiest way possible? I'm using Photoshop CS3 if that makes any difference. I hope what I'm asking makes sense. Thanks!

PS- I don't really have this picture, but it was an easy way to explain what I wanted.

[luvmy2boys]

Or if someone could point me in the direction of a simple tutorial, that would be great too!

[Amber Gray]

You need two layers. Have the full color layer underneath. Then have the top layer black and white. Put a mask on the top black and white layer, so that you don't lose anything. You can just use your eraser tool as well, but masks are safer :). If using a mask, simply use a black brush to "erase" the black and white picture away and you will have the color from underneath. I wrote a tutorial on this I'll try to find it and post it for you :)

[Amber Gray]

Found the tutorial!

Black and White Photos with Selective Color in PSCS3

1. Find a color photo that you would like to use. Typically you will use a photo that has one or two items you wish to have color with the rest black and white.
http://oneluckymom.googlepages.com/Image1.jpg


2. Hit Control-J to duplicate this layer.

3. On the top layer go to Image-Adjustments-Black and White.
http://oneluckymom.googlepages.com/Image2.jpg

4. Adjust the sliders until you achieve your desired result and click OK.

http://oneluckymom.googlepages.com/Image3.jpg


5. Add a layer mask to the black and white layer. You may click on Layer-Layer Mask-Reveal all, or click the layer mask icon at the bottom of the layers palate.

http://oneluckymom.googlepages.com/Image4.jpg
http://oneluckymom.googlepages.com/Image5.jpg


6. With the layer mask selected, use a black brush to erase the photo where you want the color to show through. You can use an eraser instead of a mask, but masks give you the ability to easily fix any errors! If you do erase too much using the mask, simply switch your brush color to white and go over the error. You may want to use a smaller brush near the edges of the color item to be more precise. Zooming in will also help with accuracy.

http://oneluckymom.googlepages.com/Image6.jpg


7. That’s it! You should now have a black and white image with selective coloring!
http://oneluckymom.googlepages.com/Image7.jpg

[luvmy2boys]

Perfect!!! And so easy to follow. Thank you!

[Amber Gray]

anytime :)