Tutorial #8

how to color a black and white image

Step One:
I started with this image.

I pasted it onto the canvas. Then, go to Image > Mode > RGB Color.

Step Two:
Then duplicate the image or paste it again. Next press Color Balance (CTRL+B) and fill in with these settings : 100, -12, -100. That will be the skin. click example.

Step Three:
I usually do the lips next, using the freeform lasso tool click the black and white image, select the lips then right click and feather. Next copy (CTRL+C), click the top layer and paste (CTRL+V). It should be on top now, next color balance. I used the folloring settings: 100, -76, -98. You can erase the excess parts.

Step Four:
Then you can add some color to her cheeks. Go back to your black and white image, select and feather the cheeks. Copy and paste to the top. Color balance it, I used the same settings as the lips and then lowered the opacity. Erase excess.

Step Five:
Repeat copying, pasting on top, color balancing, and erasing excess for every part you want to color. You should end up with something like this.

You can stop here if you wish.

Step Six:
Flatten the image. Right click the layer, duplicate, and destaturate (CTRL + SHIFT + U). Set the blending mode to softlight and lower the opactiy to 70%. click example.

You can stop here if you wish.

Step Seven:
Flatten the image. Create a new layer fill with a very dark blue and set mode to lighten. You can flatten again, then can use the burn/dodge tool (under the pencil looks like a hand and a lollipop).

After resizing and sharpening it slightly, and adding that red dot, I am done and satisfied. this is the final outcome.