Here's one I'm working on. Margie, I'm sorry but I had put quite a bit of time into this one before I saw your second e-mail.
This one just flat does not want to color correct. I tried multiple ways and it just wouldn't cooperate. I ended up using the color replacement tool and making my best guess as to the original color based on as much correction I could get. I'm not done trying on this one and I would welcome any suggestions to improve the image.
WIP
(http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag295/VIPCleaningService/OPR%20WIPs/GonzalezM_8_05_11x14WIP_zpsb3jzc9bv.jpg) (http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/VIPCleaningService/media/OPR%20WIPs/GonzalezM_8_05_11x14WIP_zpsb3jzc9bv.jpg.html)
ORIGINAL
(http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag295/VIPCleaningService/OPR%20WIPs/GonzalezM_8_05_11x14WIP2_zpsybiteu0r.jpg) (http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/VIPCleaningService/media/OPR%20WIPs/GonzalezM_8_05_11x14WIP2_zpsybiteu0r.jpg.html)
Beth,
I totally agree with you as I tried it and the colors will not come back true. What I think would be a good way to treat this one is to let the background and the rug to stay as you have it. The bride I would like to work separate, change to B/W but still left as sRGB and then colorize her. I will show you a way to do it and you may from there have your own ideas. I tried to download your photo and the dimensions are correct, but at 72 dpi which is good since this is a large photo: 11 x 14. Could you upload this version back so that I can work at it at its full resolution of 300 dpi. When I put it back on the forum, I will reduce too for the web, but would like to work at full resolution first.
Also, I am going to have Tess move this to a post on it's own to that each one from my gallery can have their work separate. I think you got it to a good point and I would like to contact the owner to get a description of her flowers.
Thanks for taking this on and for posting!
Margie
I will upload it right away!
I might just go with a BW version.
Beth, after my demonstration on how I colorized this photo, you and a whole lot of volunteers are going to leave in mass exodus because you will have reached the conclusion that I am nuts! :crazy: Humor me and then try to forget this twisted tutorial. It didn't work out wonderful, but looks marginally better.
The first thing I did was take the original and make a B/W, but kept it in sRGB and used the green channel. I will keep your final for the background when I get done and use a layer mask to bring in the bride.
I have my B/W and duplicate the background and am going to create a painting layer by going to Create New Fill or Adjustment Layer at the bottom of the layers palette>select Solid Color>click OK. In the layer mask use Ctrl/Cmd+I to invert the layer mask to black (conceal all).
(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z10/hayesbucket/001_colorize_zpscfviy0cc.jpg) (http://s192.photobucket.com/user/hayesbucket/media/001_colorize_zpscfviy0cc.jpg.html)
Open the blending options by right clicking the solid color. Now for the fun part. On the bottom slider you will want to hold down the Alt/Option and click the black triangle on the left and it should split into two. On the left as shown you will want to read 30/70 and do the same side with the option click on the white triangle to split into two halves. Drag the sliders so you have 185 and 225 and then click OK.
(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z10/hayesbucket/002_colorize_zpsrmgbqcf5.jpg) (http://s192.photobucket.com/user/hayesbucket/media/002_colorize_zpsrmgbqcf5.jpg.html)
Now to set up your layers that you are going to paint on. With the first layer mask you created, hit Ctrl/Cmd J 15-20 times if you need that much. On your first layer, you will click to the right of the layer mask and you have a chance to pick a color you want. Hit OK and then double click to put what you want that color for--makes it less confusing when you go back and forth. Once you want to paint with that color, you will click on the mask and with white to reveal--you will paint in.
(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z10/hayesbucket/003_colorize_zps0rpg6da6.jpg) (http://s192.photobucket.com/user/hayesbucket/media/003_colorize_zps0rpg6da6.jpg.html)
Once I got done painting I saved my work and then I did a "Save As" so that I could flatten the version to use to drop on top of yours, and with a layer mask paint the bride back in. Not the best and I have no doubt there are easier ways to do this. Not sure if B/W would have been better, but it seems a shame to not have some color on this one.
(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z10/hayesbucket/GonzalezM_8_05_forum_zpsnohesbiu.jpg) (http://s192.photobucket.com/user/hayesbucket/media/GonzalezM_8_05_forum_zpsnohesbiu.jpg.html)
Margie
I used the sponge set to desaturate to remove the color from the bride then I colorized her by painting on new soft light layers. I much prefer this method of colorizing. I also fixed some of the background color.
(http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag295/VIPCleaningService/OPR%20WIPs/GonzalezM_8_05_11x14WIP_zpsoeycljxa.jpg) (http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/VIPCleaningService/media/OPR%20WIPs/GonzalezM_8_05_11x14WIP_zpsoeycljxa.jpg.html)
What a lovely job! I was going to attempt this one but didn't have the guts :) Very tricky. I love what you've done, I think I do like Margie's softer face though, her face and hair seems a bit contrasty on my monitor.
Beth, great job! I agree with Lynnya on the face. You could go back to your original and color correct for use of the face only--then you can drop that in and mask the rest out.
I'm all for a simpler approach than what I used, but could you explain just a bit more.? Where you desaturated with the sponge, did you do copies of that layer to paint and those layers would have been with "Soft Light" as the mode? Dumb question, the mode was not "Color." The reason I ask is that I would have thought if the mode was not color than when you painted it would not show the texture through the paint--but yours does? I like how you have done the shadowing on her gown which gives it depth and looks believable.
Margie
Here's a video showing what I'm talking about with the colorizing. I'm not good at explaining in writing so I thought this would be the best way.
Audio fixed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqahP7TF-p0&feature=youtu.be
Thanks Beth, will look at it this evening and a video is perfect.
Margie
Thanks Margie, I hope it's helpful.
Hi Beth,
Thanks for sharing. Stunning how far you have taken the image!
Will check out your video tomorrow.
Have a good one.
Lyn
Beth, thanks so much for sharing as the video worked great. I like what you have done and easier than my version. Nice how you had color swatches for skin tones. You mentioned that you weren't concerned about ethnicity, but I like having those samples . I am lazy in that my brush is usually set to soft, so there are no hard edges. I also like using shortcut keys and in this case all I have to do is hit Ctrl orCmd B for brush and to vary the size of my brush I hit the bracket keys [ = make smaller, and the other bracket ] makes the brush larger. That way I'm not having to go up to the menu. I love how you use the blue/purple color for the shadows which gives the photo a real look and add depth. I also do a lot of "Merge Visible" and then add a layer above.
The one thing you do that I stay away from is the eraser tool, I prefer layer masks as nothing is destroyed. Or if it is just a minor goof, I will go up into history and back up a step or two. I also like labeling my layers, especially if there are many. It makes it so much easier.
We may go at things differently, but now I have a nice alternative to use when coloring that will be very helpful. I am really happy and proud of all of you that post on the forum and the feedback helps everyone.
Margie
it has a purple cast
Lurch, yes hers does, but did you watch the video? If not, then do and you will see why she did that. How about showing how you would approach these photos and posting your WIP. I will even download the original to you, just let me know.
Margie
Thank you Margie. I also use masks when I'm actually working with the background photo but I don't bother with them when I'm just painting a color on an empty layer since there's nothing there to protect really. As far as ethnicity goes, I have another video I made for my students about that if you are interested. I am a self-taught amateur so anything I say is strictly my opinion and only based on my own experience. ;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FMNFpM3ioQ
PS: I use some shortcuts such as Ctrl, Alt, Shift, E to make a Stamp Visible but my keyboard is pushed way back on my desk and I do most everything with the mouse while I'm laid back in my chair. I'm too lazy to lean forward to use the keyboard. :)
Beth,
Thank you so much for the video and for posting your work! Learned some new stuff and a little closer to tackling the really challenging images.
Will be checking out all your videos over the weekend.
Lyn
Thank you Lyn. I love Photoshop and I love learning new things about it. There are just so many different methods photoshop offers. I don't think I could learn it all in one life-time.
I worked on it some more. I decided the upper part of her dress was sheer and added a little skin tone. I also took Lynnya's advice and reduced the contrast on her face and hair. Lastly, I lightened her hair. Do you know what color her hair is supposed to be? I really can't tell from the original. I'm just guessing. Any other suggestions for me? Do you think it's ready to turn in?
(http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag295/VIPCleaningService/OPR%20WIPs/GonzalezM_8_05_11x14WIP_zpsa6k459dj.jpg) (http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/VIPCleaningService/media/OPR%20WIPs/GonzalezM_8_05_11x14WIP_zpsa6k459dj.jpg.html)
I think it's beautiful!!! the only tinsey thing that caught my attention was that her cheeks are very white... I noticed it cos I do the same thing all the time.. my hubby comes in and says "her cheeks are white".. oh darn it..
The rest of it is really beautiful.. lovely.
:loveit:
Is this better or too much?
(http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag295/VIPCleaningService/OPR%20WIPs/GonzalezM_8_05_11x14WIP_zps8ojfrsfh.jpg) (http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/VIPCleaningService/media/OPR%20WIPs/GonzalezM_8_05_11x14WIP_zps8ojfrsfh.jpg.html)
Im not sure... it's so subtle.. maybe back off just a tick.. really beautiful.. and also, don't take my word for it, I'ts just a personal opinion, I may well be wrong ( I most often am) lol.... Others may totally disagree :)
I'm waiting in the wings.. can't wait to see the final final... I think you've cracked it..
I love the input. I want it to be the best it can be. Backed off to 50%. How's this?
(http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag295/VIPCleaningService/OPR%20WIPs/GonzalezM_8_05_11x14WIP_zps8ojfrsfh.jpg) (http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/VIPCleaningService/media/OPR%20WIPs/GonzalezM_8_05_11x14WIP_zps8ojfrsfh.jpg.html)
Looks great to me! On my monitor her face looks a little blotchy but I think that's probably just my screen. I think she's beautiful and ready to get married :) If you have any problems with it on submission let me know what they are (if you don't mind) and I can learn something too :up:
Nice job Beth.
Beth, it's looking good. The only thing that look like it should be changed is around her collar looking pink and on the flared part of the hem of her dress there is a turquoise V. Hope it's not my monitor.
Margie
Margie, The pink around her collar, I decided the upper part of her dress is sheer. My dress was like that too. Also, I don't see the turquoise V. Can you circle it?
Lynnya, Thank you! I will see what I can do about her face. It is a little rough. i just don't want to smooth it too much.
Beth, I doubt her skin tone is the same as yours and not pink. In the folder is a photo of what I believe is her graduation picture and the V opening of her gown shows her skin as a golden brown. The turquoise V is about 11 3/4 down from the top on your left hand side.
What you have done looks beautiful, but sometimes the old saying "less is more" applies in how far to take a photo, especially when guessing. I took several water color classes and the instructor would caution not to over work a painting. I like the shadows and what you have done, but when Lurch said the photo had a purple cast; I think she was looking at around her waist and flowers. I know it's hard to stop, but you have brought this a long way and time to upload. :up:
Margie
Good Morning Gang.
Beth, your image looks awesome. Margie has a good point. Your dedication to getting it perfect has taken you a long way and I bet the pics owners are going to be very happy with your results.
You, Margie and Lynn ... thank you for your posts. I have learned quite a bit and appreciate you sharing your processes and feedback.
Thank you everyone for all your help. This is my final version. I think some of the problem was the WIP was a Save for Web. I finally saw the turquoise V but it's not in the regular version. I think saving it at lower quality corrupted it but I added a touch of white in that area just in case. I am uploading now.
This was fun!
(http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag295/VIPCleaningService/OPR%20WIPs/GonzalezM_8_05_11x14WIP_zpsxwvpwmas.jpg) (http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/VIPCleaningService/media/OPR%20WIPs/GonzalezM_8_05_11x14WIP_zpsxwvpwmas.jpg.html)
Gorgeous!
Great job! :up:
Margie
Margie,
I still have the other photo from your gallery. Do you want me to return it?
Beth,
If you do not want to work it, I can add it back to my gallery. You do not have to upload as I have the original safe in the Archive. Let me know.
Thanks,
Margie
What a lovely job and how well did this lovely bride turn out!
I'm a little late to add anything but would still like to mention a couple of things that jumped out at me.
I noticed some of the background color bleeding into the wedding dress around the edges.
The white in the flowers could use a little brightening?
:up2:
Hannie
(http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb18/marijtje2/OPR/margies%20bride.jpg) (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/marijtje2/media/OPR/margies%20bride.jpg.html)
Hannie, Thank you! Sorry you've had computer problems.
Margie, I'll work on the next one if that's okay. I like her.
Beth, yes, that would be great!
Hannie, like it and hope your computer and new software doesn't do you in.
Margie
Hannie,
For those of us learning, your feedback is welcome. I have been practicing with screen shots of some of these images and all of you who share your feedback help me so much.
I hope one day to be able do such a beautiful restoration.
Lyn