The technique of combining color with black and white can produce compelling and unique images. This underscores the power of Photoshop. Learning how to select one area of an image precisely allows you to do amazing things to a photograph. In this example, I was able to alter the original color of the Balinese dancer and then turn the background into black and white. To do this kind of manipulation, it's important to know the pen tool and the lasso tool. Most photographers who use Photoshop know the magic wand tool because it's so quick and easy, but it is not even close to being precise. If you can select a subject or an area of a picture such that when it is altered or pasted into another background the edges look perfect even at 100% magnification, then your work will look flawless. And knowing the selection tools is the key. In the Photoshop seminar I teach in my home twice a year (the next one is in October), the first thing I discuss is how to use and be creative with the selection tools.
2 Comments
Jun 14, 2016, 11:20:52 PM
Bob Vestal - Hi Jim - Agree that this combination of color and B&W makes a compelling image. Do you use define edge in Photoshop, especially for difficult areas such as hair?
Jun 14, 2016, 7:29:22 PM
Jim - Hi Bob, I think you mean Refine edge. No, I don't. I use Topaz Remask 5 when there is hair, and it does a reasonable job but not a great job, especially if the background interferes with the hair too much. Just today I worked on a teddy bear composite, and it was photographed against black. Even then, the fuzzy fabric of the bear was selected fairly well but not perfectly. Hair is THE biggest challenge in Photoshop. The only real solution is to shoot the subject against green screen and then use special software to separate the subject from the background. I've done that, and it works great even with super fine hair.