Tutorial #8

how to color a black and white image

Step One:

Starting with a black and white image (or a desaturated one Ctrl + Shift + U), 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.

Step Three:

Use the freeform lasso tool, select the black and white version of her lips, right click and feather. Copy, paste it to the top and color balance. I used the folloring settings: 100, -76, -98. Erase excess.

Step Four:

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.

Step Five:

Flatten the image, duplicate, and destaturate (CTRL + SHIFT + U). Set the blending mode to softlight and lower the opactiy to 70%.

Step Six:

Flatten the image. Create a new layer fill with a very dark blue and set mode to lighten.

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