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In this tutorial we are about to learn How to colorize a
black and white image.
The underlying features that we will explore in this session
are layer sets, layer modes, and selection sets.
Let’s take a look at our source image. As you can see,
it is a B&W image of a young woman. (I found it on a public
website...)
Step first: Change the Image mode of the image
First things first. Rename the background layer to source
and create a duplicate layer of the source. Now we’re
ready to begin.
When we opens any B&W image in photoshop, it's mode
automatically sets to grayscale. Change mode to RGB
(As we are going to colorize this image). Change the
mode by selecting Image > mode > RGB.
Step Two: Create new Layer set
Photoshop has an amazing layer management tool known as the
“layer set.” Basically this is a folder system that
allows us to place a group of layers underneath a main folder
that can be opened or closed at will. This feature is perfect
for what we need to do.
Let’s add a layer set. At the bottom of the layers palette
is an icon that looks like a folder. Left-click on this icon
and a gray layer will be added to the layers palette that
says “Set 1”. Right click on the Set 1 layer, select
“Layer Set Properties” and rename the layer set
to “Colors”.
Step Three: Create 'color mode' blended layers
Now we need a new layer in the colors layers set. Add a new
layer from the bottom of the layers palette. Rename this layer
to 'face' because We are now going to colorize her face. This
naming convention is the preferred organizational method to
use when working with colors in a B&W image.
Now we begin the process of colorizing our layers. Select
the 'face' layer and begin to paint onto the parts of the
face and her body with the color of face(You can pickup color
from another sample image by eyedropper tool). Notice that
you can’t see through to the source image below. This
is due to the fact that you are in NORMAL mode for this layer.
When colorizing an image, there are two modes that you will
primarily want to use. These modes are COLOR and OVERLAY.
The primary difference between these two modes is that OVERLAY
blends the color you are painting with into the colors on
the layers below the one you are working on. What this means
is this particular case is that the 'face' color is blending
with the grayscale colors below it. While not necessarily
bad, it tends to wash out the color range. COLOR mode however,
maintains its “adjacent” properties and blends itself
by taking the grayscale color below it and applying a “monochromatic”
blend. This effect produces a much more believable color range.
Without cleaning up your color, change the layer mode to
“Color” and adjust the opacity to as you wish. Now
we can see the areas that we need to clean up. Using the eraser
tool and a soft brush, clean up your 'face' color lips.
Now add a touch of color to the lady’s cheeks and lips.
You are very clever, noticed that one another layer with the
color mode added for colorize lady's lips. Yes, it is. We
can use multiple layers for colorize different parts of an
image.
Step Four: Colorize all the parts of the image.
Now you have good knowledge of the image colorization and
how to use layer sets, layers and image modes.
Now you can try your B&W image for colorization. Look
below for the final colorized image.
See the layer sequence when colorizing image.
You’re now ready to go out and colorize the town
red!
For more info you can mail me anytime!
skexz AT yahoo DOT co DOT in
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