Photo 11

Sue Leith

How-to Hand-Color, Color Images (making some areas b&w)

1. Analyze the channels dialog box to determine the best mix for a custom black & white image (contrast, brightness etc.) Window > Channels -- then click on the word RED, then click on the word, GREEN, then click on the word, BLUE*** Analyze which you like best, which you like next and which you like least.

***Remember to click back on the RGB (top) channel before moving to next step.

2. Add a channel mixer adjustment layer to your color image.

Go to either Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Channel mixer

or use the shortcut (half black/half white circle icon) at the bottom of the layers palette – channel mixer.

Remember to click on the Monochrome box in the bottom of the dialog box and make sure to move the sliders so you are mixing the channels. Do not use the default of 100% red. If channel % adds up to 100, brightness is approximately the same as the original, if less than 100 the b&w version will be darker and if more than 100, brighter. (Neither choice is right or wrong – it depends on the image – if in doubt check your histogram.) When you’re happy, click ok.

3. Use the paintbrush to paint on the mask with black and shades of gray to reveal the color on the layer below. A soft brush will give you soft edges, similar to a feathered selection; a hard brush will give you sharper edges.

For example, changing the brush opacity in the Options bar to 50% will reveal 50% of the color from the layer below. For variety, paint some areas with black at 100% and other at lower percentages. If you paint an area with black, or gray, and change your mind, paint over it with white to hide the color below again. Don’t forget to check the options bar and note what percentage you are on before painting on different areas of the mask.

Painting with black and/or different percentages of gray on a layer mask will REVEAL information from the layer(s) below. Painting with white on a layer mask will HIDE information from the layer(s) below.