How to color a black & white photo with Photoshop

Before adding any color to the image, you'll have to first convert it to RGB mode by
Choosing Image »Mode » RGB Color from the menus.
A dialog will appear, asking if you wish to flatten the image;select "Don't Flatten".

For ease of editing and rework, you'll want to color each part of this image on separate layers
(old man, bike, background,...).
You'll see later how this can also save a lot of time.
To keep thingsorganized, create a layer set named "BIKE" by
clicking on the folder icon at the bottom of theLayers palette
Begin by creating a path (or selection) of the front mudguard
With the BIKE set selected, add a new layer named "front mudguard" [Ctrl+Shift+N] by
clicking the page icon at the bottom of the Layerspalette.

Select the Pen tool [P] (or Polygonal Lasso [L], if you prefer) and press the Paths buttonin the Options palette. Zoom in [Ctrl+Alt++ ] on the front mudguard and draw a path around the mudguard. Once you're happy with the path, press the minus key [ - ], or the Subtract button in the Options palette, and draw one subtractive sub-paths: for the bolt.

Set the foreground color to a light body bike color

Since the chassis will be the same color as the mudguard, add another clipping path to the current layer.
With the Pen tool still active, press the plus key [ + ], or the Add button on the Options palette, and draw a path around the chassis .

You must continues with this technique for all the parts of the bike and then it passes to the man (pants, shirt, ace, shoes....) I council you to every coloration regulated the levels, saturation, contrast and brilliance for an optimal result. For regulating the formulations transforms the tracing in selection!

I hope of to have been enough clear but for whichever clarification not hesitated to contact to me: luca84/Luca - My Gallery.

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From pandaportraits/Caroline (21,220) on January 12, 2007 12:12:07 AM CST Wow, this is a great article with clear and detailed information. Thank you for taking the time to post this. Regards, Caroline Reply

From luca84/Luca (570) on January 12, 2007 8:40:05 AM CST Thanks !! Very Kind ! Luca Reply

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