Selective color (or, how to turn a photo b&w and keep one area in color)

There are several ways to actually do this, but I'm going to post the way I know is compatible with both full photoshop and photoshop elements. :)

Open the photo you wish to do selective color on.

Duplicate the layer by choosing Layer>Duplicate.


No need to name the layer, but you can if you want, and click OK.

Go into Image>Adjustments>Gradient Map.



Choose the Black/White gradient. This will turn your entire photo b&w but don't worry! We'll bring the color back in the next step!



Now select your Eraser tool. Adjust the size according to the area you wish to bring the color back on. I set the hardness of the eraser to 0 and I usually lower the opacity of the eraser (at the top of the page) to around 50% because bringing back 100% of the color is usually "too much", but it's up to you and your taste!



Start erasing over the area of the photo you wish to return to color (I normally zoom in while I do this to be more accurate). Take your time, it's a bit tedious but if you take your time and be more precise it will look much better!



Once you are done erasing and you are happy with how it looks, just flatten your image and save!

How to make a logo brush/ watermark brush/ copyright stamp

Whatever you want to call it! LOL!

















To use your new logo/watermark/copyright brush, just choose that brush from your brush pallette, change the opacity at the top of the screen (if you wish), adjust the brush size, and click on your photo to "stamp" your logo on!

A basic resize and sharpen for web tutorial

Basic underexposed photo fix tutorial

**TIP!**
This same basic principle applies to fixing slightly overexposed photos too! Instead of changing the blend mode to "screen", try changing it to "multiply"! :c)

A basic black & white conversion tutorial

Now just merge or flatten your layers (Ctrl+alt+e to merge layers, or go into Layers>flatten OR Layers>merge visible) and save your new black & white image! :c)

A basic color pop tutorial

Now just merge or flatten your layers (Ctrl+alt+e to merge layers) and apply your regular sharpening and save your color popped image! :c)

A basic vintage tutorial

When you are satisfied, just merge or flatten your layers (Layers>merge visible OR Layers>Flatten), apply your sharpening, and save your new vintage image! :c)

**TIP!**
If you leave the opacity on the black/white gradient map layer at 100% and apply the sepia photo filter over it, it makes a very nice looking toned black&white!