sands Loc: Jacksonville, FL

I'm using PSE10 and want to convert a color picture to B&W and then selectively add color to certain parts of the picture. I know there's a way to do this, but can't find out how in any of the tutorials or manuals I have. Can anyone help with this?

JosephB Loc: South Jersey

load your image into PS.
Duplicate it.
Desaturate the top layer.
Use your erase tool and carefully erase the areas on the b&w to show the color image underneath.
You can also mask and reduce opacity.

wtw2143 Loc: West Hempstead, NY

If you are a Mac user, there is a neat little free app called, "Color Splash Studio", that will load your color photo as a B&W and then allow you to add color just to the areas you want.

sands Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Thanks Joseph. I'll give it a try.

sands Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Thanks wtw. I am a Mac user and will get that app. If sounds easy.

Fstop12 Loc: Kentucky

What you are trying to do involves using layers and layer masks. Personally, I would not use the "eraser" tool because doing this is " destructive" and creates a lot more work for you if you make a mistake. Here are the steps I would take to accomplish what you want to do.
1. Open color image.
2. Duplicate this layer so that you have two layers showing in your layers pallet
3 Click on the top layer to make it active then desaturate it to turn it to black n white.
4. NOW comes the important part. Click on the "layer mask" icon at the bottom of your layers pallet. When you do this you will notice a "white" rectangular box to the right of your top layer.
5. Now look over at your tool bar to see the two little color boxes. One is Black and one is White. The top box is your foreground color. Make sure it is set to black.
6. Now from your tool bar select your " Brush" tool.
7. Next you can start "Painting over the area of the Black n White layer that you want to change back to color. If you make a mistake, then change your foreground color to White and paint it back in. "it's non destructive".
This is the basics of using layer masks that you can use to start building your knowledge base. If you have any questions or problems doing this, then message me and if I can help I will post the answer here for everyone else.

Happy Photoshopping

sudzmonn Loc: here , there , everywhere

WTW , , its not free anymore - but it does look interesting

photocat Loc: Atlanta, Ga

google selective coloring and you should find a lot of video "how to's "

mvy Loc: New Hampshire

Good scoop! Color Splash is a fantastic app.

I echo your sentiments.

All the best,

Martin

sands Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Thanks f-stop! you've been a great help.

sands Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Thanks photocat. I'll take a look.

bigmare

There are several tutorials on YouTube. Just type in "Changing Color in PSE10.

sands Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Thanks bigmare. I'll check them out. And thanks to all of you who have responded to this thread; you've all been a big help!

Adolphjohn

NIK Software Silver EFEX Pro

les_stockton Loc: Eastern Oklahoma

This is simple to do with Silver Efex from Nik Software. Silver Efex converts to b&w via a number of presets to get the look you like, and then there is a selective coloring feature to bring back in original colors in areas where you want.

I think you can download a 15-day trial copy.