How do I make a photo black and white while keeping one subject in color in Photoshop?
Asked 4/9/2017
3 views
2 answers
0
I’d like to create a selective-color effect in Photoshop: convert most of a photo to black and white, but leave the main subject in color. What’s the basic way to do this?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
1
Just mask the area you want to keep in color, and desaturate the rest.
Originally by user37321. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user37321
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Use a mask to protect the part you want to stay in color, then desaturate the rest of the image.
Basic approach in Photoshop:
- Open the photo.
- Select or mask the subject you want to keep in color.
- Apply a black-and-white or desaturation adjustment to the rest of the image.
- Refine the mask edges so the transition looks clean and natural.
A non-destructive workflow is best: put the black-and-white/desaturation on an adjustment layer, then use that layer mask so only the background is affected. If the wrong area turns black and white, invert or edit the mask.
The key skills are masking and desaturation, so look for Photoshop tutorials on those topics if you need step-by-step guidance.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI9y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
How can I keep one color and turn the rest of an image black and white in Photoshop?
How do I create a selective color effect in Lightroom?
Why do I get a bright halo when masking a subject for selective color, and how can I fix it?
How can I view photos on a laptop while shooting, and what software can I use to edit them?
How can I blur everything except one person in Photoshop?