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It can be affirmed that no tool can perfectly support the conversion of black and white photos into color, which is true to reality. However, by remembering and utilizing the method of transforming black and white photos into color using Photoshop CC 2020 outlined below, you can still achieve effective results.
Colorizing Black and White Photos with Photoshop
Firstly, you need to prepare:
- A black and white photo
- A similar color photo for reference
Moreover, if you are using Photoshop CS6 or older versions, it's advisable to download and update to Photoshop CC 2020 for the most comprehensive features:
Converting Black and White Photos to Color with Photoshop
Step 1: Open the black and white image and the sample image simultaneously in Photoshop.
Step 2: Click on the tab containing the black and white photo. Here, go to Image tab, then select Mode and mark RGB option.
Step 3: Next, you use the tool to select the area around the object you want to colorize. In this example, Mytour utilizes the Quick Selection Tool (shortcut W ) to select the person in the photo as the object.
Step 4: After completing the selection, click on the Select Subject button, then proceed to click on Select and Mask .
Step 5: In the Select and Mask window, find and click on View Mode and select Overlay .
Step 6: Continue by selecting the Refine Edge Brush Tool (Shortcut R ). Now, use this tool to move around the selected object to remove, blur out any unnecessary details, or jagged edges in the photo.
Step 7: Return to the toolbar on the right side of the screen, scroll down to find the Output To section and set it to New Layer with Layer Mask . Finally, click OK .
Step 8: Next, press the Ctrl + Shift + N key combination to create a new Layer. Select the newly created Layer. Hold down the Alt key and move the mouse over the image Layer icon below until the mouse cursor changes to a pointer and square icon, then click.
In the blending section, set it to Color .
Step 9: Now, switch to the previously prepared colored sample image tab and drag it over to the black and white image tab. The purpose of this is to reference colors, enabling the most natural and aesthetically pleasing conversion of black and white photos to color using Photoshop.
Step 10: Activate the Eyedropper Tool (Shortcut I ) on the toolbar. In the Sample Size section on the menu bar, set it to 5 by 5 Average . Click on the area of the color you want to select.
In this example, Mytour will proceed to colorize the skin area first.
Step 11: Activate the Brush Tool (Shortcut B ) and apply color to the skin area of the subject in the black and white image.
The result is illustrated below.
You can also use a similar method to colorize other parts of the image. To enhance the image further, users can utilize blending tools, color adjustments, lighting effects, etc. Finally, after performing the conversion from black and white to color, we'll achieve the following result.
It can be observed that there is no fixed method for converting black and white photos to color using Photoshop; users can adjust and combine various tools to achieve the desired effect. Hopefully, after referring to the tutorial on how to convert black and white photos to color using Photoshop from Mytour, you can practice and soon master this technique. Additionally, you can explore further methods of Converting black and white photos to color online here. Wishing you success.
