Learn how to colorize black and white photos using Photoshop in this comprehensive guide. This skill can breathe new life into old photos, transforming them from dated to dynamic. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve vibrant, colorized images.
Again, click on the Adjustment Layer icon, but this time select ‘Solid Color’. This will add a layer of color over your photo.
Choose a color from the Color Picker that appears. This will be the first color you apply to your photo.
In the Layers panel, change the blend mode of your Solid Color layer from ‘Normal’ to ‘Color’. This will allow the color to blend with the grayscale image beneath it.
Click the ‘Paint Bucket Tool’ and choose the color black. Fill the Solid Color Layer Mask with black.
Now, you can begin to apply color to your image.
Select the Brush tool from the toolbar.
In the options bar, adjust the size and hardness of your brush to suit your needs. A smaller, softer brush is best for detailed areas.
Set your foreground color to white. Painting with white will reveal the color layer in the areas you paint.
Repeat the process of adding a new Solid Color layer and painting on the Layer Mask for each color you want in your image.
If needed, you can adjust the saturation of your image. Go to Image > Adjustments > Hue/Saturation and adjust the sliders until you’re happy.
Lastly, apply a Curves Adjustment to tweak the contrast and brightness of your image. Go to the Adjustment Layer icon and select ‘Curves’, then adjust the curve until you achieve the desired effect.
