When & How to use Color Splash Effect using Photoshop?
- Adiene D.N. Ramirez
- Sep 5, 2015
- 3 min read
There are just some colors in a photo that deserves to be given the most attention on. Yes sir, that’s why we use color splash effect to give the subject of the image a vivid focus for viewers to, well, view! But before we go on to the tutorial, let’s make sure we’re prepared to use this stunning effect.
You see, putting special effects on your photos is like dressing yourself. You have to know what type of clothes you should wear that fits and looks good on you. Same goes for photography. You have to be able to determine if your shot is worthy of color splash, otherwise it would just look like a photo with a lot of drama in it (and yes, over-dramatis zing isn’t as good as you think).
So when can you use color splash effect on your photos? Well, basically we look at three components when applying this effect:
Color: If a photo has a vivid shade of Red, blue, purple, yellow, etc., it’s good to go for color splash. Photographers commonly use color splash on images that have a very fierce red hue in it.
Angle: You don’t want to use color splash in a tilted angle. For some reason, black and white (well, including the chosen color you’ll leave out), creates a solemn feel on the photo and using it on such an angle wouldn’t look good. But well, we’re photographers. We can get creative.
Light: We photographers know that this is one of the most important element in a photo. If you’re going to leave out a color on your photo, make sure that the vividness of the subject is captured by the light.
Message: (BONUS!) What better way to use color splash on images that tell a story. It would generate a lot of impact and love among viewers.
This photo is not mine but it has to be one of my most favorite color-splashed images. If the photographer of this image is reading this, please let me know… And I also hope you’re okay with me publicizing this in my blog.
Moving on, to the reason why you’re really reading this post: How to apply color splash effect using Photoshop? Well, we’ll use one of the photos I have right here. Meet my beloved golden retriever, Chibee!
STEP 1
By now I’ll assume that you know how to open your photo in photoshop. If not (seriously?!) click the file on the top left hand corner, click open and look for the photo on your computer.
STEP 2
Before we apply color splash, we have to make sure that we’re leaving out a vivid shade. So go to Image, click Adjustment and select Vibrance. Adjust the vividness and lightness of the color of the image.
STEP 3
Click the MAgic Wand tool from the tool box and select the color you want to leave out. Keep selecting all shades of that particular color while holding the shift key.
STEP 4
Right click on the image and click "Select inverse". Once you've done that, the entire photo will have ants walking around on it and will leave out the chosen color you've selected earlier.
STEP 5
On the options bar, you'll spot a "Refine Edges" button. Click that!
A window will pop up for you to adjust the edges of the selected color. Prioritize adjusting the "Feather" and the "Soft Edge" panels. Once you're through, Click Ok.
STEP 6
This is where we’ll turn the rest of the image colorless. Right click on your mouse and click on “select inverse”, then go to the bottom tab of the layer menu and select “Create New Fill or Adjustment Layer”. Chose “Black and White”.
And that’s when and how you should apply color splash on your photos. Have fun with these colors! Show me your color splashed photos at twitter or google plus!
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