Black & White & Colour Mix

[RobbieW]

Hi,

I keep looking at various pictures that have been posted on here, and I would like to be able to create an image that is in black in white with one item in colour.

Can anyone help me to understand how to do this?

I use paint shop pro 9 and Photoshop 7.01.

Thanks for any help.

Rob

[Dark Star]

I'm no expert Rob but I was pointed at the history brush by my good mate RobertP - I use CS. I desaturated the image and ran over the area I wanted in colour with the history brush and the result was:

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/759/chillis.jpg

I guess its a start! and I guess there are other ways to achieve the same result - not sure if your software has the same tool....?

Good luck - I'm sure others will have better and more comprehensive advice :) I'll watch with interest!

[oldgit]

Here's another way...

Take colourful start image and make a layer copy -> desaturate it.
Take the "eraser" and simply "cut" a hole through the desaturated layer until the thing you want in colour is revealed.

Paul

[RobbieW]

many thanks for your help.

[InaGlo]

I do it the same way as Paul, (layer>desat>eraser).

[Dark Star]

I'll try that as soon as I can get to it...although I'm very much a layer virgin (never been layered!) - so I might even read up on it first!

[RobbieW]

I have just tried that, its fantastic.

Thanks for your help

[Dark Star]

Did you try the layer technique Rob? Or history brush? I'd be interested to know which is easiest/most effective.

[RobbieW]

I tried the layer technique, but as my boss is in a meeting shortly I will try the way you suggested as well.

Its great having the chance to play during work hours.

[RobbieW]

Just tried it, they are both as effective, although the one with layers gives you a little more control as you can always delete the layer without screwing up the image.

With the layer one you create a new black and white layer and then erase a hole in it,
With the history one, you convert to black and white then reverse that over one particular area.

Magic!

[oldgit]

If you want to get clever you can create a mask on the desaturated layer and "cut" a hole by drawing on the mask. That way if you make a mistake you draw in the opposite colour (black<->white) and re/undraw.

Not sure if this works outside of CS2.

However once you get the hang of layers, masks (then overlays) in CS2 the whole game just opens up.

[Dark Star]

I'm itching to try it now - unfortunately stuck in work writing proposals for IT systems!!!!!

[RobbieW]

Dark Star - remeber to include photoshop requirements in the proposal.

[Dark Star]

:lol:

[TheRedUn]

Very striking image above... I like to use the 2-layer-and-cut-a-hole method, then contrast etc. adjustments can be made to the B&W layer

[RobbieW]

TheRedUn, How do you cut a hole? is this with masks?

Thanks

[TheRedUn]

Sorry, was being flippant.. meant using the Eraser, but you could select an area of the B&W layer and delete it (Backspace in PS), using any of the selection tools or Quick Mask

[RobbieW]

Thanks, just need to go and take some photos now

[TheRedUn]

Flowers look good in this method, takes patience but worth it - esp wedding pics

[RobbieW]

I am trying to persuade my better half to let me take a photo of her with a red rose. Maybe by the time next year comes she will be convincved. In the meantime she is happy with me buying her red roses on a regular basis.

[TheRedUn]

Take a pic of her wearing her yellow marigolds... that'll learn her (maybe?):lol:

[Dark Star]

I tried it on a pic of our friends I took in Corfu during England vs Portugal (before we lost!) - I kinda like it!

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/759/L_C_mono.jpg

[RobbieW]

I remember that day, I went to the match :( left Surrey at 1am on Saturday and drove there, watched the match and drove back. Got home at 4:30am on Sunday.

Good pic though. Did you use the history brush? or use layers and the erase function?

[TheRedUn]

:thumbs:

Its one of my favourite effects, so simple yet it can be stunning with the right image

[Dark Star]

Thank chaps - I used the history brush on that one! I've finally sussed how to do it using layers as well - can't immediately see an advantage to either method but I'm sure I'm just scratching the surface.

It wasn't a good day to be in Corfu (Kassiopi) - much anti-English feeling predominantly from the Albanians in town - we left early and grabbed a nice meal.

[photostar_1]

Been wanting to try this for ages........Just had a go in Elements, doing the thing with eraser.......and it works!
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/769/red-guitar.jpg

Thanks for the advice.:thumbs:

[Dark Star]

Love the dobro!! Its a fun technique to play with isn't it!