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How To

How to add a dash of color to black and white photos

Elena Santos

Elena Santos

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While browsing photo galleries online, I’ve often stumbled upon black and white photos with a pinch of color that made them really appealing. I don’ know about you, but I’ve always wanted to learn how to apply that effect to my own photos. And guess what? Now I found a way to do it in just two simple steps. Pay attention:

1. First of all, note that this tutorial has a trick: it works with color pictures. So, open up your color image and desaturate it with the Image > Adjustments > Desaturate menu or the Shift+Ctrl+U shortcut.

B&W photos with a dash of color

2. Now grab the History Brush tool (Y) and in the top palette bar adjust its size to 10 or 12 px, and he hardness to 100%. Then start painting the areas where you want to bring color back. Change the brush size and use the zoom tool when necessary if you need to reach small details. Also remember to release the mouse button from time to time, so that if you need to correct any mistakes you don’t have to undo the whole thing.

B&W photos with a dash of color

3. Once you’re done, add a finishing touch if you like (shadow, border, text layer…) and save your brand new Photoshop creation.

B&W photos with a dash of color

Elena Santos

Elena Santos

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