Selective Colors

There are many different techniques that can be used to achieve the fantastic look of selective colored photography. A lot of people have asked me how I do it and what software aI use, so I am going to start with explaining my techniques first before I give you some other suggestions.

 
Also be sure and check out the Video Tutorials. These will show you step by step methods done in Photoshop Cs3.

• Isolating Parts Of Your Image:

This technique is as easy as paint by numbers, but it is a little tedious and time consuming on an intricate image.

1.  First  you start off by deciding which parts of your image that you choose to change to black and white, monochromatic,  or sepia tones and which parts will remain in the original color.
2. Then zoom in on your image to about 300%, so you can perfectly trace along the edges.
3. I use Microsoft Digital Image Pro,. With this program, you would use the selection tool to begin tracing. You can  either trace the parts of the image that  you wish to alter to black and white, or you can trace the parts that will remain in color. (This all depends on which selection is larger and / or mroe intricate to trace.) In other programs, like Photoshop, you would use the lasso tool to do the same thing.
4. Once you trace your area, decide if there are additional areas in other parts of your image that you wish to isolateand click on the + sign to make another selection, (if you are using Microsoft Digital Image Pro.) This will allow you to trace another area while keeping your finished selections in tact. It also allows you to add to the selection you have already made if need be.
5. Now, if you are changing your isolated selection / selections to black and white or sepia, all you have to do is go to effects, and choose black and white, and your selections will automatically be black and white, while the rest of the image remains in color. Or you can choose antique. You can also desatrate your selections.
6. If your isolated selection/s are to remain in color, then just choose invert on  your selection options to alter the rest of the image to black and white or sepia while leaving your selected areas in tact.

Tips: I often duplicate the area I am selecting, so I can later work with the saturation, lighting, and colors before I flatten the iamge. I also usually digitally tint and highlight delicate parts of the image for an enhanced effect, like the cheeks or hair, etc.

See Before and After:

• Blending Technique:

This effect can be quite beautiful and interesting, especially on landscapes.

1.  For this all you would do is use the marquee tool. (The shape tool.)
2.  Again, Choose the selection you want to either remain in color or alter to monochrome,
3.  Choose the shape. I usually prefer a soft, rounded shape, like a circle or oval ... place it on the area you will either make black and white or invert (see above tutorial.)  
4. Then you will use the feather option on the selection options to smooth the monochromatic part of the image into the colored section.
5. Then you will either invert your selection to make the alternate selection monochrome, or you will make your selection monochrome. Then select black and white or sepia. 

Example of a before & after picture using the blending technique:

• Layered Technique:

1.  For this technique you would duplicate your image to form an   identile layer. Then you would make your top layer monochromatic. (You could also make your bottom layer monochromatic and keep the top layer in  color depending on how much will be left in color.)
2.  Next you will choose either the transparency brush or the eraser brush (depending on your software program.)
3.  zoom in on your image to about 200% to 300%, and erase the   top layer where you want the color (or b&w) areas to show.)

* When working with your transparency brush, you can choose the  5 of transparency you want. This can create a more subtle, desatruated effect for your colored sections.

• Digital tinting:

1. With this techinique you would make your image black and white or sepia toned.
2. Next choose a paint brush. In Microsoft Digital Image Pro, the airbrush works best. then choose your transparency.
3. Choose the brush size and transparency level.

Paint the areas of your image you want in color.

Tips: It is best to start off with a very transparent colr, then build up your saturation.

• Hand Painting or Hand Tinted Photos:

This is pretty much explanatory. You would hand paint a black and white photo to enhnce portions of your image in color. I have never used this technique, but hand tinted photos are usually done with oil paints.