« A Haven of Order
Background Investigation »

Photoshop Elements - Black and White w/Color

I love Photoshop! It’s truly an amazing program and I find myself using it often - cropping pictures, removing red-eye, touching up photos, enhancing colors, etc. It can be a bit overwhelming at times, however, especially when I begin to dabble in some of the greater complexities of the software. I’m currently using Photoshop Elements 5. I have a wonderful PSE book by Scott Kelby in my Amazon Wish List.

Maybe it will find its way here in time for Mother’s Day!! Hint, hint. :)

Until then, I find tips online, read blogs, and google with the best of them in order to answer my Photoshop questions. One fun thing I’ve discovered is a SUPER easy way to convert a photo to black and white and then add back in a portion of it in color.

david's new Bible

Sweet boy.
Awesome new Bible.
Boring picture.

Here are the steps to converting a picture to black and white and then painting back in a color.

1. Open picture file
2. Duplicate background layer
3. Go to Adjust color>Hue-saturation
4. Drag saturation slider all the way to the left
5. Use eraser tool where you wish to retain color.

there you go

Much more interesting picture in black and white, cropped a bit.
Doesn’t the Bible just pop!

Super Easy!! A simple google search will yield other methods (even video tutorials) as well as quite a bit of discussion on the best way to achieve beautiful looking black and white photos. This one was simple, quick and produced the results I was seeking.

If you have a Photoshop technique, website or book to share, please leave me a comment!! I’m eager to learn more. After all, I have to do something while I avoid cleaning the garage.

Kathy

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 27th, 2008 at 11:14 pm and is filed under Photography. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

4 Responses to “Photoshop Elements - Black and White w/Color”

  1. Linda in FL Says:
    February 28th, 2008 at 4:55 am

    That’s really cool, Kathy! Now, here’s my question? What do you do with your pictures? Do you print them out and scrapbook them or put them in a photo album? Or do you just leave them on the computer?

  2. Aunt Kate Says:
    February 28th, 2008 at 12:13 pm

    Good question, Linda, what DO you DO with your pictures?

    I have SO much to learn about my camera and photoshop, etc. ONE day I will do that. I WANT to.

    But for now-it’s time for a quick nap before going to get Anna. Love you Edgrens, Aunt Kate

  3. Bev Says:
    February 28th, 2008 at 2:08 pm

    Wow - I am impressed! I guess I am still in the dark ages, as I do not have the Photoshop program. I do use Picasa, which is pretty good. I would love to be able to do all the cool stuff with Photoshop, though! If I ever do get with the program, I may have to look you up to ’splain things to me! LOL.

    Thanks for the comment on my blog yesterday! I’ve enjoyed yours, as well! :)

    Bev.

  4. gail Says:
    February 29th, 2008 at 9:43 am

    love the new background. i need to learn photoshop. you inspire me.

    i just wanted to let you know i highlighted your blog on my blog. just in case you want to see what others are saying about you!