Recoloring photos

[flying_babyb]

How does one add color to a black and white?What program do you use? Mine dont looks so great.

 

[jann1033]

personally i don't do that often but i have used photoshop elements to do it. i think pretty much any program with layers would work. i think if you do it with layers it would be easier to get a crisper edge since you could add the color to the lower layer then erase the top portion. also if you start with a color photo, convert one layer to black and white it's easier to get realistic colors. when i try to add color with the paint bucket it never seems to look quite right to me.
presently i am trying to get the hang of using a graphic tablet and pen instead of a mouse...it's easier to make fine changes, or at least will be once i get the hang of it, i hope
this is one of the few I've done( yrs ago and the photo stinks, it is not sharp at all, something was messed up with the lens and/or body and eventually i got them repaired then replaced ) but used layers, put the color one on the bottom, made a duplicate layer in B&w then erased the part i wanted color to show up in

 

[wenrob]

I use PSP but I do it the same as Jann. Duplicate your picture and convert the top on to black and white or in this pic I used sepia. There was a green screen behind Santa and the opposite wall was powder blue, very, very distracting. Also what I would do is get the bulk of my erasing done then turn the bottom layer off so I could see any stray pixels or swipes that I missed. I suggest using a "soft brush" and remember if you erase too much you can right click and color things back in. Use a steady hand and take your time you don't want it to look sloppy.When you're done merge the two together and save as a different name. Any help I can be, let me know.

 

[rtphokie]

 

[flying_babyb]

wow I think I need to buy photo shop!!!

 

[wenrob]

wow I think I need to buy photo shop!!!

You don't need Photo Shop, just any program that will let you work in layers. PS is a HUGE investment just to do selective coloring, lol! You could get PS Elements or Paint Shop Pro both a fraction of the cost of Photo Shop. You can go to the websites and download free trials and see how you like them. There are free programs out there too but since I've never used them I'm not sure all what they do. The key is being able to work in layers though.

 

[Graeme]

I love that photo!

 

[flying_babyb]

I need photo software anyways and do alot of editing. I know I can do layers in GIMP which a freebie I downloaded but how would do that with layers? Say I have a person standing up and want to make there shirt blue, How do I do this with layers?

 

[wenrob]

I love that photo!

Thank you! I have one of DS running to Santa which is my favorite since he's so shy.

I need photo software anyways and do alot of editing. I know I can do layers in GIMP which a freebie I downloaded but how would do that with layers? Say I have a person standing up and want to make there shirt blue, How do I do this with layers?

1)Bring a copy of your photo into your program.
2)select "duplicate layer" Now you should have two copies in your work panel, the back round copy and the "copy of back round" copy.
3)Select the top layer and convert it to black and white.
4)Find your eraser tool and start erasing the person's shirt on the black and white copy. Zoom in really close so you can see what you're doing and use a soft brush. If you do too much you can right click and erase back in.
5)When I'm just about done I "turn off" the bottom layer so I can if I missed anything on the top. Once that's done I turn it back on.
6)Click on layers and "merge all." Then "save as" whatever you want to call it and you're done.

If I can help any more just let me know. You also might want to google "gimp, selective coloring" and see if you can find a tut w/screen shots.

 

[flying_babyb]

Me thinks I need a differnt program Couldnt find merge all anywere

 

[wenrob]

Me thinks I need a differnt program Couldnt find merge all anywere

Try right clicking on the top layer.